framework

American  

[freym-wurk] / ˈfreɪmˌwɜrk /

noun

• frameworks
  plural

1. a basic structure, plan, or system, as of concepts, values, customs, or rules: The empire foundered, leaving its people in anarchy and lawlessness, as the framework of their society and culture collapsed around them.

   The bill, if passed, will provide a legal framework for privacy and data protection.

   The empire foundered, leaving its people in anarchy and lawlessness, as the framework of their society and culture collapsed around them.

2. a skeletal structure designed to support or enclose something.

3. a frame or structure composed of parts fitted and joined together.

4. the construction of frames.

5. work done in, on, or with a frame.

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framework British  

/ ˈfreɪmˌwɜːk /

noun

1. a structural plan or basis of a project

2. a structure or frame supporting or containing something

3. frames collectively

4. work such as embroidery or weaving done in or on a frame

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• underframework
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• frameworks
  plural

Etymology

Origin of framework

First recorded in 1635–45; frame + work

Explanation

Framework refers to the initial structure of a building. If you ever wanted to walk through walls, you can get your chance when a new house has just the framework done, because the house will have walls with openings for windows and doors but no plaster or siding. From the literal meaning of framework — the initial structure of a building — English added figurative meanings. The noun framework, for example, can be any underlying structure something is built on, so you will see examples like: a framework for solving the problem, a framework for the computer program, and a framework for a new relationship.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

framework frameworks

"This will give teachers a clear framework to bring in a wide range of topics, including those that are challenging or uncomfortable."

From BBC ● Aug. 5, 2026

Policies should be targeted, with explicit and well-defined objectives, and feature a governance framework to guarantee political accountability and minimize the risk of corruption. 

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 5, 2026

Any legislation that passes without a protective framework for utilities, Pizarro said, would “influence how we prioritize and deploy future capital.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 5, 2026

It also gave the federal government a 60-day deadline to finalize a proposed framework.

From Barron's ● Aug. 5, 2026

It was made of numerous isinglass windows with just enough thin carved iron to form a framework.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith

Delangue said he hopes that legal frameworks are maintained to recognise this and to make sure that the companies that make mistakes leading to the hacks are "accountable."

From BBC ● Jul. 31, 2026

Rather than feed Chinese jurists bench books written by the climate plaintiffs’ bar, the group has run programs on using regulatory frameworks to address emissions.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 27, 2026

Like Cude, Delorme finds that AI responds reasonably well to precise questions with clear frameworks.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 24, 2026

"We need more predictive frameworks that link behavioral responses to ecological and evolutionary context. That includes incorporating species traits, past exposure to humans, predator communities, and landscape structure," says D'Souza.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 15, 2026

To this end, Orff created frameworks or pathways to help children experiment without pressure or stress.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin

Related Words

• groundwork
• plan
• scheme
• structure