frame

1 of 3

noun

ˈfrām 

1

a

: the physical makeup of an animal and especially a human body : physique, figure

b

: something composed of parts fitted together and united

2

a

: the underlying constructional system or structure that gives shape or strength (as to a building)

b

: a frame dwelling

3

a

: an open case or structure made for admitting, enclosing, or supporting something

a window frame

b(1)

frames plural : that part of a pair of glasses other than the lenses

(2)

: a part of a pair of glasses that holds one of the lenses

c

: a structural unit in an automobile chassis supported on the axles and supporting the rest of the chassis and the body

d

: a machine built upon or within a framework

a spinning frame

4

a

: an enclosing border

b

: the matter or area enclosed in such a border: such as

(1)

: an individual drawing in a comic strip usually enclosed by a bordering line

(2)

: one picture of the series on a length of film

(3)

: one of the squares in which scores for each round are recorded (as in bowling)

also : a round in bowling

(4)

: a complete image for display (as on a television set)

c

: an inning in baseball

d(1)

: framework sense 1a

(2)

: context, frame of reference

e

: an event that forms the background for the action of a novel or play

5

: frame-up

6

obsolete : the act or manner of framing

Illustration of frame

• frame 2a

frame

2 of 3

verb

framed; framing

transitive verb

1

: to enclose in a frame

frame a picture

also : to enclose as if in a frame

a face framed in a mass of auburn hair

2

a

: to give expression to : formulate

… frame a rule that brings order into our perceptions.

—Virginia Woolf

b

: to draw up (something, such as a document)

frame a written constitution

c

: plan, contrive

framed a new method of achieving their purpose

d

: shape, construct

frame a figure out of clay

3

a

: to contrive the evidence against (an innocent person) so that a verdict of guilty is assured

He claims that he was framed for the murder.

b

: to devise (something, such as a criminal charge) falsely

frame a case against a neighbor to get rid of him

c

: fix sense 7b

The wrestling matches were framed.

4

: to construct by fitting and uniting the parts of the skeleton of (a structure)

frame a house

5

: to fit or adjust especially to something or for an end : arrange

framed the test to evaluate students' understanding of the material

6

obsolete : produce

intransitive verb

1

archaic : proceed, go

2

obsolete : manage

framable adjective

or frameable

ˈfrā-mə-bəl 

framer noun

frame

3 of 3

adjective

: having a wood frame

frame houses

Synonyms of frame

Noun

• structure
• framework
• architecture

Verb

• produce
• make
• manufacture
• form
• create

Examples of frame in a Sentence

Noun

the frame of a house

I need new frames for my glasses.

Verb

It was the first state to frame a written constitution.

She framed her questions carefully.

He took the time to frame a thoughtful reply.

She claims that she was framed.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

State and local leaders are clarifying the penalties regarding a Florida law that went into effect this fall that prevents motorists from using frames around license plates that obscure some of the information on the plate. —Steven Yablonski, CBS News, 16 Dec. 2025

Belying the heavy set of his frame, TR’s bodily extremities were by contrast a shade off—evident in elfin ears and tiny feet. —Literary Hub, 16 Dec. 2025

Verb

Analysts have often framed Mugabe’s ouster as exceptional because of its lack of violence, but Tendi shows how the coup has much in common with those elsewhere in Africa. —Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025

Kennedy framed the move as both a public health and fiscal issue, stating that the federal government should not subsidize foods that contribute to illness. —Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 16 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb, Noun, and Adjective

Middle English, to benefit, construct, from Old English framian to benefit, make progress; akin to Old Norse fram forward, Old English fram from

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 4

Adjective

1780, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing frame

• A-frame
• climbing frame
• cold frame
• frame of mind
• frame of reference
• frame-up
• freeze-frame
• in the frame
• mind frame
• out of the frame
• picture frame
• reading frame
• space frame
• spinning frame
• sub-frame
• time frame
• Zimmer frame

Rhymes for frame

• aim
• blame
• brame
• came
• claim
• dame
• fame
• flame
• game
• haim
• lame
• maim

Kids Definition

frame

1 of 3 verb

ˈfrām 

framed; framing

1

a

: plan entry 2 sense 1

framed a new strategy

b

: shape entry 1 sense 1, construct

frame a figure out of clay

c

: to give expression to

frame a reply

d

: to set down in writing

frame a constitution

2

: to make (an innocent person) appear guilty

3

: to enclose in a frame

frame a picture

framer noun

frame

2 of 3 noun

1

: the bodily structure of an animal and especially a human being : physique

2

: an arrangement of parts that gives form or support to something

the frame of a house

3

a

: an open case or structure for holding or enclosing something

a picture frame

a window frame

b

plural : the part of a pair of glasses that holds the lenses

4

: a turn in bowling

5

: an enclosing border: as

a

: one of the drawings in a comic strip

b

: one picture of the series on a length of film or in a television transmission

6

: a particular state or mood

in a good frame of mind

frame

3 of 3 adjective

: having a wood frame

frame houses

Medical Definition

frame

noun

ˈfrām 

1

: the physical makeup of an animal and especially a human body : physique, figure

2

a

: a part of a pair of glasses that holds one of the lenses

b

frames plural : that part of a pair of glasses other than the lenses

Legal Definition

frame

transitive verb

framed; framing

1

: to formulate the contents of and draw up (as a document)

in the two hundred years since our Constitution was framed

—W. J. Brennan, Jr.

2

: to contrive the evidence against (as an innocent person) so that a verdict of guilty is assured