Illustration of frame
- frame 2a
1
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
d(1)
(2)
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
framed; framing
1
: to enclose in a frame
frame a picture
also
: to enclose as if in a frame
a face framed in a wealth of auburn hair
2
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
framer
noun
: having a wood frame
frame houses
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
Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 7 July 2025
Furniture for every room in your home — including sofas, dressers, TV stands, coffee tables, bed frames, ottomans, and more — is up to 56 percent off.
—Toni Sutton, People.com, 7 July 2025
Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 9 July 2025
My approach includes framing the story around four key elements:
• The Spark: Why you?
—Elena Volotovskaya, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for frame
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
He’s lost weight off his already tiny frame and has taken over mom’s room.
—Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 7 July 2025
Furniture for every room in your home — including sofas, dressers, TV stands, coffee tables, bed frames, ottomans, and more — is up to 56 percent off.
—Toni Sutton, People.com, 7 July 2025
Verb
Wednesday’s meeting between Trump and the five African leaders has been framed as the latest step in a broad move to focus US-African relations on commercial opportunities and trade rather than aid.
—Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 9 July 2025
My approach includes framing the story around four key elements:
• The Spark: Why you?
—Elena Volotovskaya, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for frame
Cite this Entry
“Frame.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frame. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
frame
1 of 3 verb
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 noun1
: 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
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.
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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