scaffolding

noun

scaf·​fold·​ing ˈska-fəl-diŋ 

-ˌfōl-

1

: a system of scaffolds

… photographers were allowed, three at a time, to ascend the elaborate scaffolding …

—Eric 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

Fibroblasts are cells that produce connective structures like collagen and elastin, which serve as the scaffolding within skin—so increasing their numbers can translate to more of those important fibers and, in turn, smoother, firmer skin. —Deanna Pai, Allure, 29 June 2024

On a beautifully wide-open set by Adam Rigg—with upside-down pine trees hanging playfully overhead, and a surround of steelwork scaffolding that brings to mind these guys having lunch—a cast carrying backpacks and notebooks comes together somewhere in a field to tell stories around a campfire. —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 26 Apr. 2024

The scenic design is as clever as ever, a magnificent backdrop of metal ladders, platforms and scaffolding. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 14 Apr. 2024

The men were working at the site of the Cancer Pavilion Project at the University of Chicago Hospital when the scaffolding came loose during strong winds, fire officials told WBBM. —Mitchell Willetts, Kansas City Star, 12 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing scaffolding

• instructional scaffolding

Kids Definition

scaffolding

noun

scaf·​fold·​ing ˈskaf-əl-diŋ 

-ˌōl-

1

: a system of scaffolds

2

: materials for scaffolds