scaffolding

noun

scaf·​fold·​ing ˈska-fəl-diŋ How to pronounce scaffolding (audio)
-ˌfōl-
1
: a system of scaffolds
… photographers were allowed, three at a time, to ascend the elaborate scaffoldingEric Scigliano
also : material for scaffolds
2
: a support system or structure likened to a system of scaffolds
… in his readings and talks with authors, he is seeking theoretical scaffolding for his actions …John F. Dickerson
especially, education : a system or framework of support provided by an instructor to help a student reach the next level of learning
By identifying the next skills just above the child's current skill level, then providing scaffolding (or assistance) in a way that helps the child display the identified skills accurately, and then fading out the need for scaffolding, you can help a child to learn new things and become more independent. Heather Gilmore
Teachers should look for tools that help them easily adjust instructional scaffolding from assignment to assignment and from student to student—allowing them to meet students where they are as they learn to write for authentic audiences. Troy Hicks

Examples of scaffolding in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web According to a news release, Ayala was among a group of rioters who gathered on Capitol grounds near some scaffolding erected for the upcoming inauguration of President Joe Biden, a Democrat. Emily Opilo, Baltimore Sun, 11 Jan. 2024 These are huge, emotionally climactic songs, with soaring melodies and bass that sounds like the shifting of skyscraper scaffolding. Matthew Strauss, Pitchfork, 29 Feb. 2024 From her perch on the metafictional scaffolding, Alexis provides occasional commentary in the form of footnotes, often attacking Emi’s literal approach to translation (or Emi in general) and advocating for her own more contextual translation style. Nathan Jeffers, Hazlitt, 28 Feb. 2024 Lipa opened the Grammys in a new black leather dress, singing an electrifying medley of songs with a crew of dancers writhing on stage scaffolding. Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 5 Feb. 2024 Back then, Badillo would borrow the scaffolding from her old job at a homeless shelter and go to work on the mural without a helmet or proper shoes. Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2024 Much of the cathedral remains surrounded by scaffolding, which could take weeks if not months to remove. Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, Fox News, 14 Feb. 2024 If the owners don’t comply by Feb. 17, the city will begin the cleanup process and get rid of scaffolding, barriers and other debris on the sidewalks. Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 13 Feb. 2024 At some point that afternoon, Hodges is shown sitting on a landing beside the northwest scaffolding that rioters earlier overran, the agent said. Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 2 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'scaffolding.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of scaffolding was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near scaffolding

Cite this Entry

“Scaffolding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scaffolding. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

scaffolding

noun
scaf·​fold·​ing ˈskaf-əl-diŋ How to pronounce scaffolding (audio)
-ˌōl-
1
: a system of scaffolds
2
: materials for scaffolds

More from Merriam-Webster on scaffolding

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