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

Today’s models are much better at it, which allows modern RAG-style systems to produce better results with less scaffolding. —ArsTechnica, 7 July 2025

Veering out of control, the Mustang vaulted a curb and slammed into a scaffolding and five other pedestrians standing nearby, officials said. —Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 4 July 2025

Two others were injured but remained on the scaffolding. —Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

The scaffolding that holds together fragile peace efforts, conflict resolution, and cross-border cooperation begins to collapse. —Margaux Chetrit, Sun Sentinel, 29 May 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