cold frame

noun

|Updated on: 21 Jun 2018

Definition of cold frame

: a usually glass- or plastic-covered frame without artificial heat used to protect plants and seedlings outdoors

See cold frame defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of cold frame from the Web

Plant onion seeds 4 to 6 weeks before the last average frost—or even earlier indoors or in a cold frame.

— the editors of organic life, Good Housekeeping, "How To Grow Onions," 1 Feb. 2018
The plants needed cold frames for spring, and the soil needed to be warmed by plastic for early summer, and then came dutiful protection from a particular species of beetle, which he was known to pursue by hand.

— c.j. chivers, Popular Mechanics, "My Father's Garden: The Life My Dad Passed Down to Me," 19 June 2016
Franz also talked about other season-extending devices and systems, including covers for individual plants, row covers and cold frames, all of which are intended to warm the soil and protect plants from cold weather.

— graydon megan, chicagotribune.com, "Elmhurst committee looks to recommend hoop houses and other systems," 30 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cold frame.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.