Words / B1

SKAF-uh-lding/ˈskæfəldɪŋ/

Scaffolding is the temporary metal frame and boards around a building so workers can reach the walls and roof (often uncountable). A ladder is for a short job; scaffolding stays up for days or weeks. You walk under scaffolding on the pavement. Put up / take down scaffolding.

Meaning

Poles and boards put up around a building so people can work on it (often uncountable).

Examples

• “The house next door has been behind scaffolding for weeks.”
• “Mind your head; the scaffolding sticks out over the pavement.”
• “They put scaffolding up to replace the guttering, not to paint.”

Good to know

scaffolding (often uncountable). Contrast: a ladder (short job). put up / take down scaffolding.

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