noun
scaffold
SKAF-uhld
Scaffold (noun) means a temporary framework of poles or tubes that workers stand on to reach high parts of a building. Example: “Workers erected a scaffold around the church tower for repairs.”
noun
1
A temporary framework of poles or tubes that workers stand on to reach high parts of a building.
"Workers erected a scaffold around the church tower for repairs."
2
A raised wooden platform historically used for executions.
"The condemned man was led up onto the scaffold before the crowd."
3
A structure or framework that provides support for something else, including figuratively.
"The teacher used simple examples as a scaffold for the harder concept."
How to use scaffold
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA temporary support structure for building work, a historical execution platform, or a supportive framework in a broader sense.
Common pairings
erect a scaffold
climb a scaffold
a scaffold for learning
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Word forms
- Plural
- scaffolds
- Third person singular
- scaffolds
- Past tense
- scaffolded
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Workers erected a _____ around the church tower for repairs.
Etymology
From Old French terms for a viewing platform, ultimately from Vulgar Latin words describing a raised stage or stand.
Frequently asked questions
What does “scaffold” mean?
The word “scaffold” means a temporary framework of poles or tubes that workers stand on to reach high parts of a building. In plain terms, a temporary support structure for building work, a historical execution platform, or a supportive framework in a broader sense.
How do you pronounce “scaffold”?
“Scaffold” is pronounced SKAF-uhld (/ˈskæf.əld/ in IPA).
How do you use “scaffold” in a sentence?
Here is “scaffold” used in a sentence: “Workers erected a scaffold around the church tower for repairs.”
What part of speech is “scaffold”?
“Scaffold” is a noun.
Where does the word “scaffold” come from?
The word “scaffold” comes from Vulgar Latin. From Old French terms for a viewing platform, ultimately from Vulgar Latin words describing a raised stage or stand.
How many meanings does “scaffold” have?
“Scaffold” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a temporary framework of poles or tubes that workers stand on to reach high parts of a building.
