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

Imagine a city without endless scaffolding darkening what feels like every building and every block. —Bradley Tusk, New York Daily News, 26 Jan. 2025

Overhead protection was installed Wednesday at the affected area and additional protective scaffolding will be installed around the building throughout the week, Theodore said. —Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 16 Jan. 2025

On February 17, 1936, construction workers were tasked with removing wooden scaffolding, working from a temporary catwalk. —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Jan. 2025

Once complete, the building's steel dome, pictured here with sunlight shining through its scaffolding, will be sealed off against the local desert weather, and become the largest optical telescope in the world. —Space.com Staff, Space.com, 1 Jan. 2025

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