scaffolding
noun
scaf·fold·ing
ˈska-fəl-diŋ 
-ˌfōl-
1
: a system of scaffolds
… photographers were allowed, three at a time, to ascend the elaborate scaffolding …—
Eric Scigliano
Eric Scigliano
also
: material for scaffolds
2
: a support system or structure likened to a system of scaffolds
… in his readings and talks with authors, he is seeking theoretical scaffolding for his actions …—John F. Dickerson
John F. Dickerson
especially, education
: a system or framework of support provided by an instructor to help a student reach the next level of learning
By identifying the next skills just above the child's current skill level, then providing scaffolding (or assistance) in a way that helps the child display the identified skills accurately, and then fading out the need for scaffolding, you can help a child to learn new things and become more independent. —Heather Gilmore
Heather Gilmore Teachers should look for tools that help them easily adjust instructional scaffolding from assignment to assignment and from student to student—allowing them to meet students where they are as they learn to write for authentic audiences. —Troy Hicks
Troy Hicks Examples of scaffolding in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
And parenting without a mom leaves a gaping hole for many since mothers often provide instrumental support and emotional scaffolding needed in the postpartum period.
—Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 23 Oct. 2025
By the time Redford, Keaton, Beatty and the others were coming of age as actors, the old studio scaffolding was already coming apart, with the contract system unraveling and the great moguls who once ruled the town with an iron fist fading from the scene.
—Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2025
The removal of the scaffolding has made a dramatic difference for tourists, as the Parthenon's western facade provides the best view of the temple from the street.
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2025
The building is still under scaffolding, and the coming soon sign has been in place for months.
—Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Oct. 2025
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Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 23 Oct. 2025
By the time Redford, Keaton, Beatty and the others were coming of age as actors, the old studio scaffolding was already coming apart, with the contract system unraveling and the great moguls who once ruled the town with an iron fist fading from the scene.
—Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2025
The removal of the scaffolding has made a dramatic difference for tourists, as the Parthenon's western facade provides the best view of the temple from the street.
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2025
The building is still under scaffolding, and the coming soon sign has been in place for months.
—Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scaffolding
Cite this Entry
“Scaffolding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scaffolding. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
scaffolding
noun
scaf·fold·ing
ˈskaf-əl-diŋ
-ˌōl-
1
: a system of scaffolds
2
: materials for scaffolds
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