scaffolding

noun

scaf·​fold·​ing ˈska-fəl-diŋ How to pronounce scaffolding (audio)
-ˌfōl-
1
: a system of scaffolds
… photographers were allowed, three at a time, to ascend the elaborate scaffoldingEric 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
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
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

Examples of scaffolding in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The answers require the same level of narrative scaffolding as high-concept science fiction like Silo or The Expanse. Judy Berman, TIME, 24 Jan. 2025 One way to think about it: the user becomes a layer of human scaffolding that guides the model to the most accurate, or best-suited, answer. Lauren Leffer, Scientific American, 23 Jan. 2025 As usual, the collection, called Unbroken Instincts, was presented at Fondazione Prada’s Deposito, where the space was transformed into a three-story structure made of scaffolding. Laia Farran Graves, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025 The rioters tore pieces off the scaffolding to use as weapons against police who tried to stop them from breaking into the Capitol and halting the certification of Biden’s victory. Mary Clare Jalonick, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for scaffolding 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near scaffolding

Cite this Entry

“Scaffolding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scaffolding. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

scaffolding

noun
scaf·​fold·​ing ˈskaf-əl-diŋ How to pronounce scaffolding (audio)
-ˌōl-
1
: a system of scaffolds
2
: materials for scaffolds

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