English Reference

Word

frame

Phoneticsframe

US/ˈfɹeɪm/

UK/fɹˈeɪm/

Definitions

01structural support

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Engineering

n. the basic structure that supports a building, vehicle, or object.

n. the structural elements or skeleton of a constructed object that provides support and shape.

“The workers finished the wooden frame of the house before starting on the walls.”

“The aircraft's titanium frame was designed to withstand extreme pressure while remaining light enough for fuel efficiency.”

02border for a picture

A2 · Elementary Countable noun

n. a border made of wood, metal, or plastic that goes around a picture or mirror.

n. a rigid, typically rectangular mounting or decorative border for a two-dimensional work of art or a mirror.

“She bought a beautiful gold frame for the photo of her parents.”

“The restorer carefully removed the canvas from its original Victorian frame to inspect the edges for water damage.”

03body build

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. the size and shape of a person's body.

n. the physical build or skeletal proportions of a human body.

“He has a very large frame, so he finds it hard to buy clothes that fit.”

“Despite her slight frame, she possessed a remarkable physical strength that surprised her competitors during the rowing trials.”

04film or video image

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Computing

n. one single image in a series of images that make up a film or video.

n. a single photographic image in a sequence of film or a discrete unit of time in a digital video stream.

“The editor looked at the video frame by frame to find the exact moment the light changed.”

“The animation was rendered at sixty frames per second to ensure the motion appeared fluid on high-resolution displays.”

Synonyms

05a single game

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Sports

n. a single period of play in sports like snooker or bowling.

n. a discrete unit of play within a match, specifically in cue sports or ten-pin bowling.

“He won the final frame of the match to become the champion.”

“The player managed to clear the table in a single frame, securing a decisive lead before the interval.”

Synonyms

06to put in a border

B1 · Intermediate

v. to put a border around a picture or to position something so it is surrounded by other things.

v. to enclose a picture in a decorative border or to position an object visually within a fixed boundary.

“The trees frame the view of the lake perfectly.”

“The photographer chose to frame the subject against the dark archway to create a dramatic contrast with the morning light.”

07to express or explain

B2 · Upper Intermediate Academic

v. to choose particular words to express an idea or to create a context for a discussion.

v. to formulate or construct a statement or concept in a specific way to influence how it is understood.

“The lawyer tried to frame the question in a way that would help his client.”

“The researchers chose to frame their findings as a challenge to existing theories rather than a simple confirmation of previous data.”

08to falsely incriminate

B2 · Upper Intermediate Law Informal

v. to make an innocent person look guilty of a crime by using false evidence.

v. to conspire to falsely incriminate an innocent person by fabricating evidence or manipulating circumstances.

“The main character in the movie was framed for a murder he didn't commit.”

“The detective eventually discovered that the evidence had been planted to frame the rival gang leader for the robbery.”

Synonyms

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “frame” in context.

Verb

01. hang the frame

“We need to find a strong nail to hang the frame on this wall.”

verb + noun

02. put the picture in a frame

“I decided to put the old family picture in a frame to protect it.”

verb + noun + prep + noun

Adjective

03. silver frame

“She bought a small silver frame for her graduation photo.”

adj + noun

04. wooden frame

“The mirror has a beautiful wooden frame that matches the furniture.”

adj + noun

Noun

05. door frame

“He is so tall that he almost hit his head on the door frame.”

noun + noun

06. window frame

“The window frame needs to be repainted because the white paint is peeling off.”

noun + noun

Preposition

07. in the frame

“The artist made sure that all the important details were in the frame.”

prep + noun

Word family

Domains

ComputingElectronicsEngineeringFilmHorticultureInternetMathematicsMining

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Frequency
Common
Level
B1 · IntermediateOxford
Updated

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