frame

verb

\ ˈfrām

framed; framing

Definition of frame

(Entry 1 of 3)

transitive verb

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

2a : plan, contrive framed a new method of achieving their purpose

b : shape, construct frame a figure out of clay

c : to give expression to : formulate frame a rule that brings order into our perceptions— Virginia Woolf

d : to draw up (something, such as a document) frame a written constitution

3a : to devise (something, such as a criminal charge) falsely frame a case against a neighbor to get rid of him

b : 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.

c : fix sense 7b The wrestling matches were framed.

4 : to fit or adjust especially to something or for an end : arrange framed the test to evaluate students' understanding of the material

5 obsolete : produce

6 : 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

intransitive verb

1 archaic : proceed, go

2 obsolete : manage

frame

noun

Definition of frame (Entry 2 of 3)

1a : something composed of parts fitted together and united

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

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

b : a frame dwelling

3 obsolete : the act or manner of framing

4a : a machine built upon or within a framework a spinning frame

b : an open case or structure made for admitting, enclosing, or supporting something a window frame

c(1) : a part of a pair of glasses that holds one of the lenses

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

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

5a : an enclosing border

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

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

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

(3) : one picture of the series on a length of film

(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

6 : frame-up

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

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.

Noun

the frame of a house I need new frames for my glasses.

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

That realization helped frame the entire session and motivated me to finally understand time. — Gia Miller, SELF, "Hiring a Coach for My ADHD Transformed My Life and Productivity," 27 Mar. 2019 Use a framing square, steel rule or other straightedge to serve as a guide for the glass cutter. — Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, "How to Cut Glass," 11 Feb. 2019 Mayors provide organizers with documentation kits, including economic and statistical talking points, to help frame the discussions. — Noemie Bisserbe, WSJ, "Calls for Yellow-Vests to Debate, Not Demonstrate, Fall on Deaf Ears," 19 Jan. 2019 The anthropologists gave us an initial briefing, to help frame the response from WHO. — Julia Belluz, Vox, "Why the Ebola outbreak in DRC is so difficult to contain," 2 Dec. 2018 Well, that's in part the strategy behind that would be to help frame that sculpted frame then that narrative, but, obviously, has a lot more potential for detriment than not. — Fox News, "Psychologist says Americans are suffering from 'Trump Anxiety Disorder'," 31 July 2018 The verdict marks at least the second multimillion-dollar jury verdict in favor of a former inmate who alleged that Reynaldo Guevara helped frame him. — Washington Post, "Abortion law requiring waiting period rejected," 30 June 2018 Still, her fellow Democrats jumped into the fray, helping Republicans to frame her remarks as harmful. — Solomon Jones, Philly.com, "Maxine Waters deserves better from her party | Solomon Jones," 27 June 2018 Two years of work helped frame the seriousness of the disease to grouse. — Paul A. Smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Smith: Regional study will examine the impact of West Nile Virus on ruffed grouse," 23 May 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Each already contains an actively-laying queen and five frames of comb. — Blair Donovan, Country Living, "Beekeeping for Beginners: Everything to Know About Starting Your Own Colony," 5 Apr. 2019 Last year’s Project Stream tests were already impressive, allowing you to play Odyssey at 1080p and 60 frames per second. — Hayden Dingman, PCWorld, "Google's Stadia game-streaming service lets you play games anywhere, if your Internet can handle it," 19 Mar. 2019 Researchers used high-speed video upwards of 1,000 frames per second to record sprays of mist as well as human coughs and sneezes, finding that smaller droplet particles traveled as far as 2.5 meters horizontally through the air. — Colleen Stinchcombe, SELF, "Here’s How Far Germs Spread Through Sneezing and Coughing," 13 Feb. 2019 Heavy-duty versions, with bigger frames, beds, interiors and engines, make up about 30 percent of that. — Tom Krisher, The Seattle Times, "Heavy duty: Detroit 3 all roll out biggest pickups this year," 6 Feb. 2019 Samantha Hatem, left, president of the Junior League of Raleigh, looks over picture frames with fellow volunteer Nikiann Gray. — Valerie Bauerlein, WSJ, "Junior League Strains to Keep Members, Thrift Stores," 26 Dec. 2018 Empty picture frames hung on the walls, and the room where the kids slept on two small beds and a mattress on the floor had nothing to personalize it. — Lauren Smiley, Glamour, "Two White Moms. Six Black Kids. One Unthinkable Tragedy. A Look Inside the ‘Perfect’ Hart Family," 6 Sep. 2018 For the first time ever, the famous potter ventured into home decor with items like pillows, picture frames, runners, and more for every room of the house. — Jessica Leigh Mattern, Country Living, "Rae Dunn's New Collection With Kirkland's Just Dropped and It's Too Cute," 23 Aug. 2018 Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves; fasten shelves, mirrors and large picture frames to walls; brace high and top-heavy objects; anchor overhead lighting fixtures. — Gary Robbins, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Safety tips to follow before, during and after an earthquake," 8 July 2018

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.