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
Cite this Entry
“Scaffolding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scaffolding. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
