scaffold

noun

scaf·​fold ˈska-fəld 

also -ˌfōld

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

Examples of scaffold in a Sentence

The condemned man was led to the scaffold.

Recent Examples on the Web

Nanoscale engineering with interfacial design The research team solved this trade-off by engineering an ultra-thin scaffold. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 20 Sep. 2026

An actual big band stationed on a scaffold upstage evokes the roaring ‘20s. — Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026

Reducing their size and binding the fine mesh into a 3D scaffold would go a long way to making ice more concrete-like. — Mike McRae 16, New Atlas, 16 Sep. 2026

Next, prune back the scaffold branches using what are called heading cuts. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 17 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for scaffold

• baffled

Kids Definition

scaffold

noun

scaf·​fold ˈskaf-əld 

also -ˌōld

1

a

: an elevated platform built as a support for workers

b

: a platform on which a criminal is executed

2

: a supporting framework