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

Alan Rickman plays both sides of a similar death scene in 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince' When Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) is killed by Professor Snape, his fall from the tower is framed similarly to when Hans Gruber falls to his death. — Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, "30 pop-culture references that prove 'Die Hard' is as awesome as ever, 30 years later," 13 July 2018 Exhibit explores ways in which artists frame human and plant interdependent relationships. — Luann Gibbs, Cincinnati.com, "Cincinnati events: Fun and free events this weekend," 12 July 2018 Behind him, burgundy velvet curtains, seemingly snatched from Milan’s Teatro alla Scala opera house, frame the display. — Jay Jones, latimes.com, "Here's what 57,000 flowers create at Vegas' Bellagio Conservatory, where love is in the air," 12 July 2018 The 7th Circuit said the issue can't be framed specifically for each and every injury or illness, and that prison officials have known for years that leaving serious conditions untreated can amount to deliberate indifference. — Bruce Vielmetti, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Transgender inmate can sue over denial of hormone treatment, U.S. Appeals Court rules," 11 July 2018 Although terrorism is no less of a threat now, especially in London, the Troubles seem almost quaintly historic when framed in the rearview mirror of history. — Leslie Felperin, The Hollywood Reporter, "'The Lieutenant of Inishmore': Theater Review," 5 July 2018 And because Trump picks and chooses the pieces of news that serve his purposes, that vacuum is how the Strzok texts will be framed to the President's base. — Chris Cillizza, CNN, "How 7 words in the 500-page IG report will give Donald Trump all the 'deep state' ammo he wanted," 14 June 2018 The previous season, during the NBA Finals, Curry was ejected for firing his mouth guard into the stands and hitting a fan, who probably got the mouth guard framed and mounted over his fireplace. — Scott Ostler, San Francisco Chronicle, "Fun times throughout Warriors’ championship season," 10 June 2018 In an extremely complex takeover situation framed by fear of Netflix , however, sense may get lost in the mix. — Stephen Wilmot, WSJ, "The Disney-Comcast TV Drama Could Have More Twists Yet," 12 July 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

If any one of those three plays isn’t made, the Orioles probably pick up at least another run in the frame. — Ryan Divish, The Seattle Times, "Thanks to the schedule, Mariners seem back on track after 5-3 victory in Baltimore," 25 June 2018 The set could collect over 80,000 units in the week ending June 21 – up from 19,000 in the frame ending June 14, according to Nielsen Music. — Keith Caulfield, Billboard, "Beyonce & JAY-Z vs. 5 Seconds of Summer for No. 1 on Billboard 200 Albums Chart," 20 June 2018 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is fully visible in the frame but his thoughts remain just as inscrutable as the others, with his arms also crossed against his chest and his glance somewhere over Merkel's head. — Amy B Wang, Washington Post, "The G-7 summit, summed up in one photo," 9 June 2018 His 6-foot-6 frame was sopping wet from collecting shopping carts in the parking lot. — Michael Corkery, New York Times, "At Toys ‘R’ Us, ‘There Is Nothing Left’: The Day It Closed for Good," 30 June 2018 Now Ashley Strouse attacks the water with fierce determination, using every inch of her 5-foot-11 frame to get to the wall before anybody else. — Richard Obert, azcentral, "Who's Next: Chaparral swimmer Ashley Strouse," 28 June 2018 While Gabriel needs to add weight to his 6-foot-9, 205-pound frame, his ability to shoot threes and block shots profiles as a possible future bench piece in the NBA. — Jon Hale, The Courier-Journal, "Kentucky basketball's Wenyen Gabriel not selected in NBA draft," 22 June 2018 He’s driven a NASCAR-type car before, but isn’t able to fit in an IndyCar with his 6-foot-9 frame. — Drew Davison, star-telegram, "Ed "Too Tall" Jones believes Cowboys have talent to win Super Bowl," 7 June 2018 He's filled out his 6-foot-2 frame, leaving little to project physically. — Jon Meoli, baltimoresun.com, "Modern analytics paired with traditional scouting helped Orioles land lefty Zac Lowther in 2017 draft," 4 June 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.

History and Etymology for frame

Verb

Middle English, to benefit, construct, from Old English framian to benefit, make progress; akin to Old Norse fram forward, Old English fram from

Noun

see frame entry 1

Adjective

see frame entry 1

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