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

In this setting, a man is framed for a leader’s murder and his journey to prove his innocence uncovers more than its share of secrets. — Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, "First Look: 'The Mall' From 'Annabelle Comes Home' Filmmaker Gary Dauberman (Exclusive)," 15 July 2019 Both proposals have been framed as part of an unfolding clash of civilizations in which the U.S. and its allies must act decisively in space to overcome China and other adversaries, such as Russia and North Korea. — The Editors, Scientific American, "The U.S. Should Go Back to the Moon--But Not on Its Own," 3 July 2019 Here are framed photos of the stars of College Corner’s last great team, the 1969 bunch led by Jerry Frazee and Wilbur’s son, Chet Curry. — Gregg Doyel, Indianapolis Star, "Doyel: One high school gym, two states, and the midcourt stripe has a secret," 3 July 2019 Those cells, called radial glia, can be viewed like the framing timbers of a house under construction. — Linda Carroll, NBC News, "Gene mutation in the brain may be early clue to autism, study suggests," 2 July 2019 On that basis, the buyout has been framed as a sign of Apple’s renewed interest in autonomous driving. — David Z. Morris, Fortune, "Apple’s Latest Acquisition Shows Self-Driving Cars Are in the Doldrums of Disappointment," 27 June 2019 These framing devices also provide Bunny and Juliet with a buffer from events that might otherwise be too painful to face. — Rosa Inocencio Smith, The Atlantic, "Two Novels That Make Mental Illness Legible," 22 June 2019 The story was framed as an instance of lawless youth run amok – an almost unprovoked riot. — Chad Painter, The Conversation, "How the New York media covered the Stonewall riots," 19 June 2019 On one shelf, framed photos show a towheaded little boy growing up. — Wendy Naugle, Glamour, "Cynthia McFadden Went Into the Triangle of Death," 14 Mar. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

There is something beautiful about (his) exquisitely muscled frame standing up a 260-pound guard in his tracks and lunging to smother a halfback behind the line of scrimmage. — Will Larkin, chicagotribune.com, "Ranking the 100 best Bears players ever: No. 52, Wally Chambers," 16 July 2019 Outstanding reflexes made up for his shorter frame, and in typical Brazilian style, was excellent with his feet. — SI.com, "Mario Zagallo: Velho Lobo's All-Time Best XI," 15 July 2019 Photos of tall, thin models leave them unsure how the garments will look on their own 5-foot frames. — James F. Peltz, latimes.com, "Where did Forever 21 go wrong?," 14 July 2019 In terms of his college career, Bresee easily carries 290 pounds on his frame and could add another 20 pounds without sacrificing any burst. — Paul Myerberg, USA TODAY, "The best of the best at the 2019 Opening showcase was heavy on Clemson flavor," 12 July 2019 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images At the 2012 N.B.A. slam dunk contest, Chase Budinger ran up behind Diddy, intercepted his upward toss, launched his 6-foot-7 frame over the rapper’s head, and smashed the ball into the net in one swoop. — Aimee Berg, New York Times, "Is Chase Budinger the Future of Men’s Beach Volleyball?," 11 July 2019 Usually, Hollister said, 80 percent of students who get exams need glasses, and can pick their frames from about 30 colorful options. — Marisa Iati, Washington Post, "A mobile clinic is helping low-income students to see clearly — one pair of glasses at a time.," 10 July 2019 Zackery’s big personality makes up for his small frame. — Boys & Girls Aid, oregonlive.com, "Zackery, 8, is looking for a family that is kind, respectful and ‘likes to play anything outside’: A Home of Their Own," 6 July 2019 The explosion demolished the building, leaving behind only part of its metal frame. — CBS News, "20 injured after explosion rocks shopping center in Plantation, Florida," 6 July 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.