frame
FRAYM
/freɪm/
One of the ten divisions of a standard bowling game, during which a player has up to two rolls to knock down all pins.
In scoring, a 'frame' represents both the physical box on the scorecard and the turn itself. The tenth frame is unique because it allows up to three rolls if a strike or spare is achieved.
The story behind the word. The word 'frame' originally meant to construct, shape, or prepare. On early paper bowling scorecards, the grid was divided into square boxes or 'frames' to contain the score for each turn. Eventually, the turn itself became known as a frame.
Word relationships
- turn: 'Turn' is a general gaming term, while 'frame' is the specific, structured scoring unit in bowling.
Commonly confused with
- game: A game is the complete set of ten frames.
Word family
- frames (noun): plural form of frame
- framed (verb): constructed or enclosed
Collocations
- tenth frame
- open frame
- frame score
- consecutive frames
Idioms & expressions
- frame of mind
- frame of reference
Example sentences
- "By the eighth frame, she had established a commanding lead over her opponent." Tracking progress during a game
Memory hook
Each of the ten turns is a 'frame' containing your score, like a picture frame. One of ten boxes.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'game' or 'match'. A game consists of ten frames; a match may consist of multiple games.
Fun facts
- The tenth frame is the only frame where you can throw three strikes, which is why a perfect game requires 12 strikes instead of 10.
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