Definition of frame
(Entry 1 of 3)
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
frame
verb
framed; framing
Definition of frame (Entry 2 of 3)
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
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
frame
adjectiveDefinition of frame (Entry 3 of 3)
: having a wood frame
frame houses
Test Your Vocabulary
Name That Color
-
- Name that color:

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share frame
Time Traveler for frame
The first known use of frame was in the 14th century
See more words from the same century