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

The duo knew from their previous studies that certain cells in the mouse embryo were tenser and sturdier than others due to differences in their internal scaffolds, which underpin the cell membrane and keep it taut. —Clare Watson, Quanta Magazine, 27 Feb. 2026

These pins are connected to rods outside the leg, forming a rigid scaffold. —Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2026

Maintain several stems to create your scaffold, cutting these back to varying lengths, from one to two feet above ground level. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 23 Feb. 2026

Authorities blamed substandard scaffold netting and foam boards used in a maintenance project for rapidly spreading the fire. —ABC News, 21 Feb. 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