schema

noun

sche·​ma ˈskē-mə 

plural schemata ˈskē-mə-tə  also schemas

1

: a diagrammatic presentation

broadly : a structured framework or plan : outline

2

: a mental codification of experience that includes a particular organized way of perceiving cognitively and responding to a complex situation or set of stimuli

Examples of schema in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That there is something in the self that will not fit a schema, that will not be laid bare. —Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2025

Map your current schemas to SID. —Ranganath Taware, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025

The brain can also incorporate tools, like a tennis racket, into this schema. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 12 Sep. 2025

Structured insights: Each article follows a consistent schema—key facts, math‑model explainer, symbol explorer, mobile UX notes, FAQs—so readers can scan or dive deep. —Fortune Games, Mercury News, 5 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Greek schēmat-, schēma

First Known Use

circa 1890, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for schema

• cima
• pima
• prima
• rima
• sema
• sima
• thema
• edema
• extrema
• ulema
• emphysema
• empyema

Medical Definition

schema

noun

sche·​ma ˈskē-mə 

plural schemata -mət-ə  also schemas

1

: a nonconscious adjustment of the brain to the afferent impulses indicative of bodily posture that is a prerequisite of appropriate bodily movement and of spatial perception

2

: the organization of experience in the mind or brain that includes a particular organized way of perceiving cognitively and responding to a complex situation or set of stimuli