subframe
noun
sub·frame
ˈsəb-ˌfrām 
variants
or sub-frame
plural subframes or sub-frames
: a secondary frame
especially
: one that is used for the attachment and support of a finish frame (as of a door or window) or of finish panels (as of a wall)
Strictly speaking, the vertical members of a curtain wall's subframe are called mullions, while horizontal members are called transoms. —
Jason Alread et al.
Jason Alread et al. The rolled steel sections, generally 1/8" thick and 1 - 1 1/2" wide, were used for all the components of the windows: sash, frame, and subframe … —The Preservation of Historic Architecture: The U.S. Government's Official Guidelines for Preserving Historic Homes
The Preservation of Historic Architecture: The U.S. Government's Official Guidelines for Preserving Historic Homes 
Examples of subframe in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The front and rear crash structures are cut away to be replaced by subframes that hold the engine (up front) and transaxle gearbox (at the rear).
—Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 3 Feb. 2024
The rear subframe has an organic, skeletal look, enabled by the AI exploration of forms.
—IEEE Spectrum, 14 Oct. 2023
The bike is a total of 5.5 pounds lighter than the base model, as the titanium subframe replaces the cast aluminum piece.
—Peter Jackson, Robb Report, 20 Oct. 2023
After casting, the sand is removed, leaving the same hollow subframe without needing to weld pieces together.
—Umar Shakir, The Verge, 14 Sep. 2023
The front subframe, shown here, provides a rigid mounting for the suspension's lower control arms and anti-roll bar, as well as the steering rack.
—Jim Frenak, Car and Driver, 7 Sep. 2023
The company will replace the rear axle bolt and subframe bushing and will also inspect the rear axle cover for damage.
—Ramishah Maruf, CNN, 13 Oct. 2023
The lower control arms mount to a cast-aluminum subframe that is bolted solidly to the chassis.
—Csaba Csere, Car and Driver, 7 Sep. 2023
The all-new chassis sports a stiffer steel-sheet-metal construction, with the rear subframe now made from cast aluminum—a first for the model, as previously it was made of tubular steel.
—Rennie Scaysbrook, Robb Report, 28 Sep. 2023
Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 3 Feb. 2024
The rear subframe has an organic, skeletal look, enabled by the AI exploration of forms.
—IEEE Spectrum, 14 Oct. 2023
The bike is a total of 5.5 pounds lighter than the base model, as the titanium subframe replaces the cast aluminum piece.
—Peter Jackson, Robb Report, 20 Oct. 2023
After casting, the sand is removed, leaving the same hollow subframe without needing to weld pieces together.
—Umar Shakir, The Verge, 14 Sep. 2023
The front subframe, shown here, provides a rigid mounting for the suspension's lower control arms and anti-roll bar, as well as the steering rack.
—Jim Frenak, Car and Driver, 7 Sep. 2023
The company will replace the rear axle bolt and subframe bushing and will also inspect the rear axle cover for damage.
—Ramishah Maruf, CNN, 13 Oct. 2023
The lower control arms mount to a cast-aluminum subframe that is bolted solidly to the chassis.
—Csaba Csere, Car and Driver, 7 Sep. 2023
The all-new chassis sports a stiffer steel-sheet-metal construction, with the rear subframe now made from cast aluminum—a first for the model, as previously it was made of tubular steel.
—Rennie Scaysbrook, Robb Report, 28 Sep. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'subframe.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1866, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near subframe
Cite this Entry
“Subframe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subframe. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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