# frame

/ˈfɹeɪm/ (US) · /fɹˈeɪm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/frame
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. structural support

noun · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. border for a picture

noun · CEFR A2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. body build

noun · CEFR B2

the size and shape of a person's body.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. film or video image

noun · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: 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.

### 5. a single game

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 6. to put in a border

verb · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: 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.

### 7. to express or explain

verb · CEFR B2 · Academic

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

For teachers: 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.

### 8. to falsely incriminate

verb · CEFR B2 · Informal

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The picture frame is made of wood.
- He carefully placed the new photograph inside the silver frame on his desk.
- The heavy oak frame, far from merely displaying the painting, became an integral part of its imposing presence in the grand hall.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.