scaffold

noun scaf·fold \ ˈska-fəld also -ˌfōld \

Updated on: 3 Apr 2018

Definition of scaffold

1 a : a temporary or movable platform for workers (such as bricklayers, painters, or miners) to stand or sit on when working at a height above the floor or ground

b : a platform on which a criminal is executed (as by hanging or beheading)

c : a platform at a height above ground or floor level

2 : a supporting framework

See scaffold defined for English-language learners

See scaffold defined for kids

Examples of scaffold in a Sentence

The condemned man was led to the scaffold.

Recent Examples of scaffold from the Web

Working on a scaffold, workers loaded the machine with bricks and scraped off excess mortar left behind by the robot.

— terence chea, The Christian Science Monitor, "Autonomous vehicles break ground in construction industry," 19 Mar. 2018
Working on a scaffold, workers loaded the machine with bricks and scraped off excess mortar left behind by the robot.

— terence chea, Houston Chronicle, "Robots break new ground in construction industry," 19 Mar. 2018
Working on a scaffold, workers loaded the machine with bricks and scraped off excess mortar left behind by the robot.

— Washington Post, "Robots break new ground in construction industry," 19 Mar. 2018
Working on a scaffold, workers loaded the machine with bricks and scraped off excess mortar left behind by the robot.

— terence chea, USA TODAY, "Productivity boost? Robots break new ground in the construction industry," 19 Mar. 2018
Averill [sic] and Kate were given a horse to ride to the scaffold.

— eliza mcgraw, Smithsonian, "The Tragedy of Cattle Kate," 12 Mar. 2018
Charles was executed on January 30, 1649; his scaffold was erected outside Inigo Jones’s Banqueting House and afforded a view into its magnificent ceilings, commissioned by the king from Rubens.

— hamish bowles, Vogue, "In London, Investigating the Personal Collection of an Art-Obsessed Royal," 17 Feb. 2018
Remove strongly vertical shoots, ideally maintaining three or four scaffold branches at 22 to 25 inches from the ground.

— neil sperry, star-telegram, "What gardeners should take away from this winter’s extended cold snap," 26 Jan. 2018
For an eye-level moment that pops, a sunglass scaffold is a Millennial's quickest trick.

— calin van paris, Vogue, "Gigi Hadid’s Latest Makeup Look Is Worth a Double Take," 17 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'scaffold.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of scaffold

Middle English, from Anglo-French scaffald, alteration of Old French eschaafauz, escafaut, alteration of chaafaut, from Vulgar Latin *catafalicum — more at catafalque

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

Other Building Terms

batten, cistern, hearth, lath, transom, wainscot

SCAFFOLD Defined for English Language Learners

scaffold

noun

Definition of scaffold for English Language Learners

: a temporary or movable platform or structure on which a person stands or sits while working high above the floor or ground
: a platform or structure on which criminals are killed by being hanged or beheaded

SCAFFOLD Defined for Kids

scaffold

noun scaf·fold \ ˈska-fəld \

Definition of scaffold for Students

1 : a raised platform built as a support for workers and their tools and materials

2 : a platform on which executions take place

Learn More about scaffold

See words that rhyme with scaffold Spanish Central: Translation of scaffold Nglish: Translation of scaffold for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of scaffold for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about scaffold

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scaffold

Definition of scaffold

Examples of scaffold in a Sentence

Recent Examples of scaffold from the Web

Origin and Etymology of scaffold

Other Building Terms

SCAFFOLD Defined for English Language Learners

scaffold

Definition of scaffold for English Language Learners

SCAFFOLD Defined for Kids

scaffold

Definition of scaffold for Students

Learn More about scaffold

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scaffold

Definition of scaffold

Examples of scaffold in a Sentence

Recent Examples of scaffold from the Web

Origin and Etymology of scaffold

Other Building Terms

SCAFFOLD Defined for English Language Learners

scaffold

Definition of scaffold for English Language Learners

SCAFFOLD Defined for Kids

scaffold

Definition of scaffold for Students

Learn More about scaffold

Seen and Heard

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