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

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."

A raised wooden platform historically used for executions.

"The condemned man was led up onto the scaffold before the crowd."

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 notes

In 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

Word forms

scaffolded past tense, scaffolds plural, scaffolds singular

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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.

Origin: Vulgar Latin

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.