1. temporary structures of metal poles and wooden planks used by workers to reach high places during construction or repair work
Usage: plural of scaffolding
2. supporting frameworks or structures that provide assistance or guidance
Usage: figurative use; often used in education

Examples

• The workers erected scaffoldings around the entire building for the renovation project.
• Multiple scaffoldings were needed to reach the cathedral’s highest windows.
• Safety inspectors checked all the scaffoldings before allowing construction to continue.
• The old scaffoldings were dismantled after the painting was completed.
• Teachers use various scaffoldings to help students understand complex concepts.
• The learning scaffoldings were gradually removed as students became more independent.