noun

iframe

EYE-fraym

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Iframe (noun) means an element of a web page that embeds a second, separate web page inside a rectangle on the first, so that things such as a video player, a map or a payment form can appear within a page while actually being served by another site. Example: “The video is in an iframe, so it loads from the video service rather than from us.”

noun

technical An element of a web page that embeds a second, separate web page inside a rectangle on the first, so that things such as a video player, a map or a payment form can appear within a page while actually being served by another site.

"The video is in an iframe, so it loads from the video service rather than from us."

"Our booking widget is dropped onto any page as a single iframe."

verb

informal To embed one page inside another using such an element.

"We iframed the pricing calculator into the partner's site."

How to use iframe

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA window on a web page that shows another web page inside it.

When to use it

Technical; written iframe or i-frame after the HTML tag name.

Memory tip

The embedded page keeps its own address and its own rules, which is why the surrounding page usually cannot read or change what is inside it.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

frame → embed element pop-up

Common pairings

embed an iframe iframe height cross-domain iframe sandboxed iframe

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “iframe” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The video is in an _____, so it loads from the video service rather than from us.

Etymology

A shortening of inline frame, the name of the HTML element.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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inline frame embedded frame embed

Related words

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Rhymes for iframe

name came game dame same fame tame lame flame blame frame shame

See all rhymes for iframe →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an iframe and a frame?

Old frames divided the whole browser window into sections, each loading a different document, and that approach is obsolete. An iframe sits inside the flow of a normal page like an image would, and remains in everyday use.

Why do payment forms use iframes?

Putting the form in an iframe served by the payment provider means the card details are entered into the provider's page rather than the shop's, so the shop's own code never handles them.

Can a page inside an iframe control the page around it?

Not by default. Browsers block interaction between pages from different sites, so an embedded page generally cannot read or alter its host, and the host cannot read it.

What is the meaning of iframe?

"iframe" (noun) means an element of a web page that embeds a second, separate web page inside a rectangle on the first, so that things such as a video player, a map or a payment form can appear within a page while actually being served by another site.

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