frame

noun

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Definition of frame

(Entry 1 of 3)

1a : the physical makeup of an animal and especially a human body : physique, figure

b : something composed of parts fitted together and united

2a : the underlying constructional system or structure that gives shape or strength (as to a building)

b : a frame dwelling

3a : 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

4a : 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

frame

verb

\ ˈfrām

framed; framing

Definition of frame (Entry 2 of 3)

transitive verb

1 : to enclose in a frame frame a picture also : to enclose as if in a frame a face framed in a wealth of auburn hair

2a : 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

3a : 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

frame

adjective

Definition of frame (Entry 3 of 3)

: having a wood frame frame houses

Other Words from frame Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about frame

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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 Freddy Galvis had a bases-loaded walk, Austin Hays and Mancini had two-run doubles, Mullins scored on a wild pitch and Ryan Mountcastle singled in the seventh run of the frame. — Jon Meoli, baltimoresun.com, "Orioles sweep Red Sox, 11-3, as bats break out behind Cedric Mullins, Bruce Zimmermann delivers quality start," 4 Apr. 2021 The Ray-Ban logo and serial number on the inside of the frame will indicate authenticity, as will solid, durable construction. — Anthony Marcusa, chicagotribune.com, "The best men’s Ray-Ban," 2 Apr. 2021 Thus the author grew up in a Normal Rockwell painting, but with Father Coughlin just out of frame, raving. — Los Angeles Times, "If ‘Philip Roth: The Biography’ leaves you hating its subject, thank Blake Bailey," 2 Apr. 2021 Dominance was the name of the game on both sides of the frame as Austin Krob allowed one hit through seven shutout innings. — Dallas News, "How Texas’ collegiate baseball teams fared this week: TCU, UT, A&M record conference series wins," 29 Mar. 2021 The thicker part of the frame should pack some components, including what appears to be a grille for microphones. — Chris Smith, BGR, "The most exciting augmented reality glasses yet might come from this unexpected company," 29 Mar. 2021 Frederic had to be feeling down after catching captain Bergeron with an elbow during a second-period board battle, sending the captain to the dressing room for the final 5:39 of the frame. — BostonGlobe.com, "Devils hex continues for the Bruins, and other observations from another 1-0 loss," 28 Mar. 2021 At some points in the corner of the frame, Ahuna is visibly struggling with Bridgman. — Nienke Onneweer, The Arizona Republic, "'You shot me in the head': Kingman police video shows deputy shooting man in Dolan Springs," 25 Mar. 2021 In a video posted on Sunday, March 21, to the Victoria Beckham Beauty Instagram account, the former Spice Girl patiently holds her hair back and keeps her eyes closed while her daughter, just out of frame, dabs product onto her mom’s eyelids. — Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, "Victoria Beckham’s Daughter Did Her Makeup, and It Looks Gorgeous," 22 Mar. 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Therapists, on the other hand, frame the number in financial terms. — Mario Aguilar, STAT, "Inside the battle over Talkspace and a grand experiment in mental health," 30 Mar. 2021 Siding vary in line, some being of stucco, others frame, and still others, a combination of both. — Merrie Monteagudo, San Diego Union-Tribune, "From the Archives: Linda Vista started with a housing boom in 1941," 23 Mar. 2021 However, there is already a public relations battle between Democrats and Republicans to frame the bill to their constituents, especially with the not-so-distant 2022 midterm elections that could easily swing the House, the Senate, or both. — Shahar Ziv, Forbes, "Biden Signs Stimulus Bill, But Won’t Sign $1,400 Stimulus Checks; It’s A Missed Opportunity," 12 Mar. 2021 Simply frame up a panel or two to create an on-budget, on-trend piece of art. — Laura Kostelny, Southern Living, "Inside a Fort Worth Home Filled With Family Heirlooms and Modern Charm," 2 Apr. 2021 But Cox, Snyder and Youngkin all frame the issue as distinct from Trump's claims of voter fraud. — Matthew Barakat, Star Tribune, "'Election integrity' becomes key buzzword in VA GOP race," 1 Apr. 2021 In retaliation, Sam would pee in front of Matthew’s cage, trying to frame him for the crime. — Washington Post, "Gene Weingarten: Confessions of a compassionate hit man," 25 Feb. 2021 Rose bushes frame his window and, across some distance, lilac bushes are bare but considering their own bloom. — Jenna Ross, Star Tribune, "Attuned to the Earth's moods, revered Native writer N. Scott Momaday sounds an alarm," 12 Mar. 2021 Then, frame your messages around the needs your offerings can deliver on. — Expert Panel®, Forbes, "15 Ways To Develop A Customer-Centric Content Strategy," 25 Feb. 2021

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