1
a
: a temporary or movable platform for workers (such as bricklayers, painters, or miners) to stand or sit on when working at a height above the floor or ground
b
: a platform on which a criminal is executed (as by hanging or beheading)
c
: a platform at a height above ground or floor level
2
: a supporting framework
Examples of scaffold in a Sentence
The condemned man was led to the scaffold.
Recent Examples on the Web
Moreover, biomedical engineers are testing self-healing polymers for implants, tissue scaffolds, and wearable medical devices.
—
Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 11 Feb. 2026
The narration made a scaffold in the story.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 9 Feb. 2026
Music gives the brain a scaffold, Oliver said in her presentation, a sequence, a rhythm, a predictable beginning and end that allows motor planning to lock into place.
—Reylee Billingsley, AZCentral.com, 7 Feb. 2026
It is derived from the ancient Edinburgh Tolbooth, which became a 19th century prison, scaffold and all.
—Michael Walker, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for scaffold
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Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 11 Feb. 2026
The narration made a scaffold in the story.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 9 Feb. 2026
Music gives the brain a scaffold, Oliver said in her presentation, a sequence, a rhythm, a predictable beginning and end that allows motor planning to lock into place.
—Reylee Billingsley, AZCentral.com, 7 Feb. 2026
It is derived from the ancient Edinburgh Tolbooth, which became a 19th century prison, scaffold and all.
—Michael Walker, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for scaffold
Cite this Entry
“Scaffold.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scaffold. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
scaffold
noun
scaf·fold
ˈskaf-əld 
also -ˌōld
1
a
: an elevated platform built as a support for workers
b
: a platform on which a criminal is executed
2
: a supporting framework
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