frame of reference
noun phrase
1
: an arbitrary set of axes with reference to which the position or motion of something is described or physical laws are formulated
2
: a set of ideas, conditions, or assumptions that determine how something will be approached, perceived, or understood
a Marxian frame of reference
Examples of frame of reference in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Each is in their own frame of reference, but Terra on Earth, Stella in a spacecraft traveling past our planet.
—
Robert Lea, Space.com, 21 June 2025
At that time, their frame of reference came mostly from online images.
—Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025
But something even more momentous was about to shift the playwright’s frame of reference.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2025
There was no frame of reference for what that even meant.
—Jeff Nelson, People.com, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for frame of reference
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Robert Lea, Space.com, 21 June 2025
At that time, their frame of reference came mostly from online images.
—Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025
But something even more momentous was about to shift the playwright’s frame of reference.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2025
There was no frame of reference for what that even meant.
—Jeff Nelson, People.com, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for frame of reference
Cite this Entry
“Frame of reference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frame%20of%20reference. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share