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

These orientation fields act as a smooth scaffold for interaction, allowing tasks to be expressed as simple, shape-invariant actions like sliding or probing. —Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 22 Apr. 2026

The study centers on protein-cellulose scaffolds—supportive frameworks made from protein and cellulose that hold and organize other materials—that could be relevant for uses requiring lightweight, durable materials. —Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 20 Apr. 2026

When students are introduced to most new topics, schools can slowly scaffold learning. —Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2026

One such affair claimed an extra life when the executioner’s son ascended the scaffold to brandish a head, lost his footing, and fell to his death. —Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 1 Apr. 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