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

Keep scrolling for more

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

For Regina Estrada, the granddaughter of founders Joe and Paula Avila, the salsa ritual framed her introduction to Flores. — Mike Sutter, Bon Appetit, "On the Clock with Austin’s Most Beloved Waitress," 6 June 2018 It was framed by his response to an explosive interview that was published late Thursday blasting Mrs. May’s handling of negotiations for Britain’s departure from the European Union, or Brexit. — New York Times, "Trump Brings His Own Style to a Day of Damage Control in Britain," 13 July 2018 Also proving that there's no time like summer for a face-framing statement accessory? — Lauren Valenti, Vogue, "The 10 Best Beauty Looks: Week of July 8, 2018," 10 July 2018 Priyanka Chopra wears her medium length hair with long, face-framing layers, which highlights her prominent cheekbones. — Kaleigh Fasanella, Allure, "49 Classic Haircuts That Look Amazing at Any Age," 8 July 2018 The painting was done near the beginning of the 20th century as an elaborate way to frame the temple's 11 famous murals. — Maria L. La Ganga, idahostatesman, "What’s behind ’60s-era paneling at El Korah Shrine? A ballroom’s worth of ’20s art.," 12 July 2018 In all, four officers interviewed by Scott said the command staff told them to frame people but only De la Torre specifically said they were ordered to target blacks. — Charles Rabin, Jay Weaver And David Ovalle, miamiherald, "The chief wanted perfect stats, so cops were told to pin crimes on blacks, probe found," 12 July 2018 Upton worked the count to 2 and 0, so Wood tried to frame a strike on the outside corner. — Ethan Bauer, latimes.com, "Angels are optimistic the offense is starting to come around," 10 July 2018 While Ailes focused on the big picture--how to frame the day's events, who to attack or support--Shine managed the details of running the network. — Paul Farhi And Felicia Sonmez, chicagotribune.com, "Former Fox News executive Bill Shine joins Trump White House as deputy chief of staff for communications," 5 July 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

That fire started in a wood frame building just before 4:05 a.m. in the 13000 block of Baltimore Avenue and spread to a brick building nearby, burning until nearly 5:30 a.m., Merritt said. — Hannah Leone, chicagotribune.com, "Woman dead, several taken to hospitals after 3 early morning fires," 14 July 2018 Like the old Expedition, the new one maintains traditional, truck-like body-on-frame construction. — Aaron Bragman, USA TODAY, "Review: Ford's revamped Expedition SUV moves to the front of the pack," 13 July 2018 Ubogagu sent a perfect cross to the back post for Leroux, who was able to get a powerful header on frame only to be denied by Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell. — Jordan Culver, Pro Soccer USA, "Orlando Pride falls 3-1 to host Houston Dash," 12 July 2018 The elite physical gifts were there from the beginning, with Humphreys thriving in jump-ball situations thanks to his 6-foot-5, 210-pound frame. — Andrew Turner, latimes.com, "CdM’s John Humphreys a person of interest for college football recruiters," 12 July 2018 There's barely a second to breathe in between the Halo jumping, the motorcycle crashing, the helicopter ramming, and, in the tedious countdown-clock climax, the frenetic frame-toggling between widescreen 2.39 and IMAX 1.90 aspect ratios. — Omar Sanchez, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Mission: Impossible — Fallout': What the Critics Are Saying," 12 July 2018 Frame The lightweight aluminum frame disassembles quickly for easy transport. — Andrea Powell, WIRED, "How to 3-D Print an Entire House in a Single Day," 11 July 2018 Everyone who’s come through so far, Kelly said, has been placed in treatment within that 23-hour frame. — Aubrey Whelan, Philly.com, "Philadelphia hopes this 24-hour treatment center will save lives in the opioid crisis," 11 July 2018 Gayle King's piece-y fringe and soft curls draw attention to her eyes and frame her face in an ultra-flattering way that works at any age but is especially fabulous on mature women. — Kaleigh Fasanella, Allure, "49 Classic Haircuts That Look Amazing at Any Age," 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.

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

Keep scrolling for more