frame

verb

\ ˈfrām

How to pronounce frame (audio)

\

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

In addition, there will be food booths and a Stella Artois Beer Garden set up on Fillmore Street, and there’s an art-framing service on site. — Ray Mark Rinaldi, The Know, "The business of art: Cherry Creek Arts Fest helps develop new collectors," 30 June 2019 Castro zeroes in on the judiciary Castro was the first Democrat on the stage to frame the 2020 election in terms what's at stake on the federal judicial bench. — Tom Benning, Dallas News, "Four big moments for Texans Beto O'Rourke and Julián Castro in first Democratic presidential debate," 26 June 2019 The bay is framed by icefields to the north and Chugach range peaks to the east and west. — Zaz Hollander, Anchorage Daily News, "Michigan residents on vacation died in Friday’s fiery plane crash near Seward," 25 June 2019 Rather, success is framed as a process, something woven incrementally into the fabric of an activity or period of time. — Cassie Werber, Quartz at Work, "How to have great conversations with strangers," 25 June 2019 The Constitution was framed by men, some of whom owned slaves and all of whom were white. — Joe Soucheray, Twin Cities, "Soucheray: Monroe name change another attack on country’s foundation," 23 June 2019 But regardless of one’s view on inequality, there’s also a more pragmatic way to frame the debate. — Hikmet Ersek, Fortune, "Cashless Isn’t Just Classist—It’s Bad for Business," 18 June 2019 The new look is equal parts sleek and shaggy and falls just below her chin in an ultra-flattering, face-framing way. — Kaleigh Fasanella, Allure, "Brie Larson Just Debuted a Sleek Bob Haircut Ahead of Summer," 2 May 2019 Revive the '90s with face-framing bangs, like Lili Reinhart. — Victoria Rodriguez, Seventeen, "13 Graduation Hairstyles That Will Still Look Cute Under Your Grad Cap," 9 Apr. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Others bolt it onto the frame or the rear carrier like a hostile tumor. — Thomas Ricker, The Verge, "Brompton Electric bike review: remarkably practical," 2 July 2019 Yet, Stripling still almost did enough to get through the frame unscathed. — Jack Harris, latimes.com, "Dodgers beat the Diamondbacks on five straight walks with two outs in ninth," 2 July 2019 The scooters appeared to have been smashed to the ground, leaving them with bent handlebars, which caused damage in some cases to the frame and sensors, Linders said. — Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, "49 rental scooters smashed in St. Paul, causing thousands in damage," 2 July 2019 Sina Schuldt/Picture Alliance, via Getty Images The first frame in the now-famous 33-second ad is taken up almost entirely by Dante de Blasio’s giant Afro. — Jeffery C. Mays, New York Times, "Why ‘Raising a Black Son’ Is a de Blasio Campaign Theme," 1 July 2019 That came in the fourth when Davies punched a single to center to drive in Mike Moustakas, who'd doubled to open the frame. — Todd Rosiak, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Brewers 2, Pirates 1: Eric Thames continues his hot-hitting ways with winning blast," 30 June 2019 Misaki Seats at the sushi bar of Misaki, newly opened in Los Cabos, look out from just high enough of an angle that the blond wood of the window frames only the ombré of blues, from endless sea meeting clear blue sky. — Naomi Tomky, Fortune, "One of Mexico City’s Hottest Restaurant Groups Fuses Mexican and Japanese Influences," 29 June 2019 Professor Hulk, carrying a satellite dish full of innocent civilians, jumps into the frame. — Eliana Dockterman, Time, "Here's What Happens in the Extra Scenes From the Avengers: Endgame Re-Release," 29 June 2019 The camera was zoomed in on Biden as Sanders hand broke into the frame. — Ryan W. Miller, USA TODAY, "Wide-eyed Joe Biden dodges Bernie Sanders' hand in viral debate moment," 28 June 2019

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.

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Dictionary Entries near frame

Statistics for frame

Last Updated

5 Jul 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for frame

The first known use of frame was in the 14th century

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More Definitions for frame

frame

verb

English Language Learners Definition of frame

(Entry 1 of 2)

: to put (something) inside an open structure that holds it : to put (something) in a frame

: to be around the edge of (something)

: to produce (something written or spoken) : to express (a question, answer, etc.) in words

frame

noun

English Language Learners Definition of frame (Entry 2 of 2)

: the basic structure and shape of the body of a person or animal

: an arrangement of parts that support and form the basic shape of something

: an open structure that holds something (such as glass or a picture)

See the full definition for frame in the English Language Learners Dictionary

frame

verb

\ ˈfrām

\

framed; framing

Kids Definition of frame

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 : to enclose in or as if in a frame frame a picture Long brown hair framed his face.

2 : to produce (something) in writing or spoken words frame a constitution

3 : to make appear guilty He's being framed for the crime.

frame

noun

Kids Definition of frame (Entry 2 of 3)

1 : the structure of an animal and especially a human body : physique a muscular frame

2 : an arrangement of parts that give form or support to something the frame of a house

3 : an open case or structure for holding or enclosing something window frame picture frame

frame

adjective

Kids Definition of frame (Entry 3 of 3)

: having a wooden frame a two-story frame house

frame

noun

\ ˈfrām

\

Medical Definition of frame

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

2a : 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

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frame

transitive verb

framed; framing

Legal Definition of frame

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

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