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

Vaughn’s condition is more serious because he has been impaled by the scaffolding. —Laura Bradley, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024

Crews with Majic Productions were busy setting up the scaffolding and the makeshift flooring, with generators on semi-trailers being hauled in. —Mike De Sisti, Journal Sentinel, 31 Oct. 2024

Hopefully, this event will provide the scaffolding that women freeriders need to continue building their sport. —Abigail Barronian, Outside Online, 14 Oct. 2024

The idea of the instrumentation in spine surgery is to form an internal scaffolding for the bone to grow or heal. —Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes, 17 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