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

To assist with the redevelopment project and to safely allow cranes, construction workers, scaffolding and other equipment at the site, Villa recently applied for a full closure of Trinity Road — which runs directly past Villa Park — between April 20 (this past Monday) and December 1. —Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2026

Even when the deception disappears, the social scaffolding remains. —Phil Starks, The Conversation, 21 Apr. 2026

Recovery capital is the scaffolding to ending problematic use and behaviors. —Dimitri Mugianis, STAT, 20 Apr. 2026

The fix is to build the question with a little more scaffolding. —Henna Pryor, CNBC, 20 Apr. 2026

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