frame

1 of 3

noun

ˈfrām How to pronounce frame (audio)
Synonyms of framenext
1
a
: the physical makeup of an animal and especially a human body : physique, figure
b
: something composed of parts fitted together and united
2
a
: the underlying constructional system or structure that gives shape or strength (as to a building)
b
: a frame dwelling
3
a
: an open case or structure made for admitting, enclosing, or supporting something
a window frame
b(1)
frames plural : that part of a pair of glasses other than the lenses
(2)
: a part of a pair of glasses that holds one of the lenses
c
: a structural unit in an automobile chassis supported on the axles and supporting the rest of the chassis and the body
d
: a machine built upon or within a framework
a spinning frame
4
a
: an enclosing border
b
: the matter or area enclosed in such a border: such as
(1)
: an individual drawing in a comic strip usually enclosed by a bordering line
(2)
: one picture of the series on a length of film
(3)
: one of the squares in which scores for each round are recorded (as in bowling)
also : a round in bowling
(4)
: a complete image for display (as on a television set)
c
: an inning in baseball
e
: an event that forms the background for the action of a novel or play
5
: frame-up
6
obsolete : the act or manner of framing

Illustration of frame

Illustration of frame
  • frame 2a

frame

2 of 3

verb

framed; framing

transitive verb

1
: to enclose in a frame
frame a picture
also : to enclose as if in a frame
a face framed in a mass of auburn hair
2
a
: to give expression to : formulate
… frame a rule that brings order into our perceptions.—Virginia Woolf
b
: to draw up (something, such as a document)
frame a written constitution
c
: plan, contrive
framed a new method of achieving their purpose
d
: shape, construct
frame a figure out of clay
3
a
: to contrive the evidence against (an innocent person) so that a verdict of guilty is assured
He claims that he was framed for the murder.
b
: to devise (something, such as a criminal charge) falsely
frame a case against a neighbor to get rid of him
c
: fix sense 7b
The wrestling matches were framed.
4
: to construct by fitting and uniting the parts of the skeleton of (a structure)
frame a house
5
: to fit or adjust especially to something or for an end : arrange
framed the test to evaluate students' understanding of the material
6
obsolete : produce

intransitive verb

1
archaic : proceed, go
2
obsolete : manage
framable adjective
or frameable
ˈfrā-mə-bəl How to pronounce frame (audio)
framer noun

frame

3 of 3

adjective

: having a wood frame
frame houses

Synonyms of frame

Relevance

Noun

Verb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of frame in a Sentence

Noun the frame of a house I need new frames for my glasses. Verb It was the first state to frame a written constitution. She framed her questions carefully. He took the time to frame a thoughtful reply. She claims that she was framed.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Samsung includes a wall mount and a black bezel in the box, with additional magnetic frame styles available separately to better match your space or taste. — Sheena Vasani, The Verge, 21 Oct. 2026 Because Luke’s Diner was essentially a wooden frame without insulation—and the cast and crew constantly shuffled in and out the door—the December and January shoots on the backlot could be brutal. — Mara Reinstein, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
Recent court cases have used similar arguments, framing social media to judges and jurors as defective products causing children harm. — Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026 The protection argument The debate over transgender athletes is often framed as a matter of protecting women. — Jesse Rhodes, The Conversation, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for frame

Word History

Etymology

Verb, Noun, and Adjective

Middle English, to benefit, construct, from Old English framian to benefit, make progress; akin to Old Norse fram forward, Old English fram from

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 4

Adjective

1780, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of frame was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing frame

Rhymes for frame

See All Rhymes for frame

Browse Nearby Words

framboise
frame
framea
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Frame.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frame. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

frame

1 of 3 verb
ˈfrām How to pronounce frame (audio)
framed; framing
1
a
: plan entry 2 sense 1
framed a new strategy
b
: shape entry 1 sense 1, construct
frame a figure out of clay
c
: to give expression to
frame a reply
d
: to set down in writing
frame a constitution
2
: to make (an innocent person) appear guilty
3
: to enclose in a frame
frame a picture
framer noun

frame

2 of 3 noun
1
: the bodily structure of an animal and especially a human being : physique
2
: an arrangement of parts that gives form or support to something
the frame of a house
3
a
: an open case or structure for holding or enclosing something
a picture frame
a window frame
b
plural : the part of a pair of glasses that holds the lenses
4
: a turn in bowling
5
: an enclosing border: as
a
: one of the drawings in a comic strip
b
: one picture of the series on a length of film or in a television transmission
6
: a particular state or mood
in a good frame of mind

frame

3 of 3 adjective
: having a wood frame
frame houses

Medical Definition

frame

noun
ˈfrām How to pronounce frame (audio)
1
: the physical makeup of an animal and especially a human body : physique, figure
2
a
: a part of a pair of glasses that holds one of the lenses
b
frames plural : that part of a pair of glasses other than the lenses

Legal Definition

frame

transitive verb
framed; framing
1
: to formulate the contents of and draw up (as a document)
in the two hundred years since our Constitution was framed—W. J. Brennan, Jr.
2
: to contrive the evidence against (as an innocent person) so that a verdict of guilty is assured
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