scaffolding

noun

scaf·​fold·​ing ˈska-fəl-diŋ 

-ˌfōl-

1

: a system of scaffolds

… photographers were allowed, three at a time, to ascend the elaborate scaffolding …

—Eric Scigliano

also : material for scaffolds

2

: a support system or structure likened to a system of scaffolds

… in his readings and talks with authors, he is seeking theoretical scaffolding for his actions …

—John F. Dickerson

especially, education : a system or framework of support provided by an instructor to help a student reach the next level of learning

By identifying the next skills just above the child's current skill level, then providing scaffolding (or assistance) in a way that helps the child display the identified skills accurately, and then fading out the need for scaffolding, you can help a child to learn new things and become more independent.

—Heather Gilmore

Teachers should look for tools that help them easily adjust instructional scaffolding from assignment to assignment and from student to student—allowing them to meet students where they are as they learn to write for authentic audiences.

—Troy Hicks

Examples of scaffolding in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But their case reveals a much bigger issue: that the legal scaffolding protecting creative work is buckling under the weight of artificial intelligence. —Aron Solomon june 27, Literary Hub, 27 June 2025

In Tahiti, there was worry and protests when a large scaffolding was built on the delicate reef for the 2024 Olympics. —Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 19 June 2025

But the scaffolding will remain up until the repairs are reviewed. —Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 June 2025

Three people are dead, and two others are injured after scaffolding gave way at a large construction site in Texas, authorities said. —Sam Gillette, People.com, 30 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

scaffolding

noun

scaf·​fold·​ing ˈskaf-əl-diŋ 

-ˌōl-

1

: a system of scaffolds

2

: materials for scaffolds