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

Advertisement Outside, the monument is still a construction site, with scaffolding and cranes. —Thomas Adamson and John Leicester, Los Angeles Times, 29 Nov. 2024

Parisians Question the Reopening Timeline The sight of scaffolding and cranes has drawn criticism from residents. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2024

The back of the truck collided with the scaffolding. —Leonard Greeene, New York Daily News, 18 Nov. 2024

From there, Danaher used scaffolding and lifts to transfer the lettering onto the wall using charcoal powder, which was then pressed through the perforated paper. —Nathan Pugh, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

scaffolding

noun

scaf·​fold·​ing ˈskaf-əl-diŋ 

-ˌōl-

1

: a system of scaffolds

2

: materials for scaffolds