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

The Gala and the exhibition are framed around Susan Sontag’s essay, Notes On Camp, which details the inner-workings of what camp is and what camp is not. — Scarlett Newman, Teen Vogue, "Watch HauteLeMode Explain the Met Gala 2019 Theme of Camp," 16 Apr. 2019 There is strength in her face, framed by a crisp, closely shorn hairstyle. — Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "New England museums to visit this summer and fall," 4 July 2018 And that doesn’t appear to be the only time the Biscayne Park police zeroed in on one person and framed him for a host of crimes. — Adam K. Raymond, Daily Intelligencer, "Florida Police Chief Told Cops to Arrest Random Black People to Boost Stats," 12 July 2018 To simply frame in P.R. communications an issue as ‘improper workplace conduct’ seems to soften the issue and generalize it too much. — New York Times, "Without Disclosing Details, N.F.L. Fines Jerry Richardson for Sexual Harassment and Racist Comments," 28 June 2018 Federal prosecutors say a small-town police chief and two officers framed a 16-year-old in four unsolved burglaries in Florida five years ago. — Joel Shannon, USA TODAY, "Ex-police chief, officers framed a teen to boost arrest stats, prosecutors say," 12 June 2018 Analyzing images from the French elections and the recent UK general election, researchers found that a plurality of photos were factually correct—that is, undoctored—but ultimately framed in a misleading way. — An Xiao Mina, The Atlantic, "That Merkel Photo Is More Like a Meme Than a Renaissance Painting," 11 June 2018 But there was also a debate about the role of art in life, often framed in the context of public art and who pays for it. — Bill Goodykoontz, azcentral, "'Last Temptation of Christ' complaints are nothing new," 7 June 2018 Reformers frame their arguments in terms of human capital. — The Economist, "Reformists and traditionalists are at war over Russian schools," 26 May 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Add pops of white throughout a room—from picture frames and pillows to the servingware in your china cabinet—to naturally draw attention throughout the space. — Lauren Hubbard, ELLE Decor, "Why You Shouldn’t Underestimate the Simplicity of White," 1 May 2019 These chic tabletop frames were the first things in the new collection to catch our eyes. — Rebekah Lowin, Country Living, "Joanna Gaines' Newest Target Collection Has the Most Perfect Mother's Day Gifts," 28 Apr. 2019 The most eagle-eyed in our office spotted a final recognizable item: this geometric rose gold photo frame—which sits on a desk in the house, with nary a photo inside. — Hadley Keller, House Beautiful, "All the Home Decor Items You Can Shop in Taylor Swift's "ME" Video," 26 Apr. 2019 Another Aussie designer Gonzales is rocking her black, oval-shaped, metallic frame sunglasses are from Quay. — Nicole Saunders, Harper's BAZAAR, "This Look Is Money: How Three Editors Dress for Work," 22 Mar. 2019 In any case, 80Hz allows Oculus to keep that old minimum spec even with the higher resolution; more detailed frames, but fewer of them. — Hayden Dingman, PCWorld, "Hands-on: The $399 Oculus Rift S kicks off the next gen of PC-based VR by appealing to the masses," 20 Mar. 2019 The test confirmed significantly higher frame time spikes and longer loading times with Denuvo enabled. — Sam Machkovech, Ars Technica, "Evidence continues to mount about how bad Denuvo is for PC gaming performance," 26 Dec. 2018 Here, walls of glass frame views of the yard, while new cork flooring complements a double-faced stone fireplace and wood paneling. — Megan Barber, Curbed, "The 11 best midcentury modern homes of 2018," 26 Dec. 2018 Ryon Healy drove in the second run of the frame on a hard double to the left-field corner, scoring Bruce, who had drawn a two-out walk. — Ryan Divish, The Seattle Times, "Whew! Mariners hang on to beat Red Sox despite three ninth-inning errors," 30 Mar. 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.