schema

noun

sche·​ma ˈskē-mə 

plural schemata ˈskē-mə-tə  also schemas

1

: a diagrammatic presentation

broadly : a structured framework or plan : outline

2

: a mental codification of experience that includes a particular organized way of perceiving cognitively and responding to a complex situation or set of stimuli

Examples of schema in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In Aster’s cynical schema, ideology is the phoniest mask of all, to be slipped on and off with frictionless ease. —Justin Chang, New Yorker, 18 July 2025

Implement schema markup, especially FAQ and product schemas, so your content is machine-readable and more likely to be featured in overviews and voice search results. —Karan Sharma, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025

This transfer uses a data schema that was built in collaboration with the members of the FIDO Alliance. —Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 12 June 2025

Implement and maintain schema across products, FAQs and reviews. —Al Sefati, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Greek schēmat-, schēma

First Known Use

circa 1890, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for schema

• cima
• pima
• prima
• rima
• sema
• sima
• thema
• edema
• extrema
• ulema
• emphysema
• empyema

Medical Definition

schema

noun

sche·​ma ˈskē-mə 

plural schemata -mət-ə  also schemas

1

: a nonconscious adjustment of the brain to the afferent impulses indicative of bodily posture that is a prerequisite of appropriate bodily movement and of spatial perception

2

: the organization of experience in the mind or brain that includes a particular organized way of perceiving cognitively and responding to a complex situation or set of stimuli