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

The entrance was covered in scaffolding and the faint sound of drilling could be heard from inside the building. —Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 20 Dec. 2025

City officials and police have pointed the finger of blame at construction companies for allegedly using substandard mesh netting to wrap scaffolding on the buildings and multiple arrests have been made. —Chris Lau, CNN Money, 19 Dec. 2025

After eight years behind scaffolding, the 1931 Art Deco icon revealed its massive renovation in July, ready to welcome a new generation of visitors to its Park Avenue address in Midtown Manhattan. —John Wogan, Travel + Leisure, 18 Dec. 2025

However, licensing rules will still apply for work that involves patching, plastering, lathing or repairing a wall in preparation for a mural, as well as for the use of scaffolding that is fixed to a structure. —Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 17 Dec. 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