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 mass 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
Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2026
The step-through frame is legit-easy for riders of all sizes.
—Joe Salas
april 07, New Atlas, 7 Apr. 2026
Ronan Farrow, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
Biel played him through, Zaha took it in stride, and the finish — into the far corner on the run — was exactly the kind of moment that frames Charlotte’s problem heading into next week.
—Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 5 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for frame
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
His 5-foot-10, 230-pound frame did that.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2026
The step-through frame is legit-easy for riders of all sizes.
—Joe Salas
april 07, New Atlas, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
Altman housed OpenAI in Y Combinator’s nonprofit arm, framing it as an internal philanthropic project.
—Ronan Farrow, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
Biel played him through, Zaha took it in stride, and the finish — into the far corner on the run — was exactly the kind of moment that frames Charlotte’s problem heading into next week.
—Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 5 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for frame
Cite this Entry
“Frame.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frame. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
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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