VocabularyBasePractice words

Meaning & use

wireframes

noun·Academictechnical

Last updated

UK/ˈwaɪəfreɪmz/
US/ˈwaɪərfreɪmz/

“wireframes” is a form of “wireframe”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.

Meanings

  1. nouncountablecomputing

    Plain, simple page layouts that show where the parts of a website or app will go, without colors or final images.

    Grammar: Plural of wireframe: the team drew three wireframes.

    Patterns

    • wireframes for something
    • wireframes of something

    The designer shared wireframes of the checkout page before choosing any colors.

    We tested the wireframes with five users to see where they got confused.

    Good wireframes let a client approve the structure before expensive work begins.

  2. nouncountablecomputing

    Three-dimensional computer models shown only as outlines made of connected lines.

    Grammar: Plural of wireframe, usually in graphics: the wireframes rotated on screen.

    Patterns

    • wireframes of something

    The animator checked the wireframes of the character before adding skin and clothing.

    Early video games showed spaceships as simple wireframes.

    The engineer displayed the bridge design as wireframes to see its structure.

Word forms

singularwireframe

Common combinations

create wireframes
She created wireframes for the new mobile app.
low-fidelity wireframes
The team began with low-fidelity wireframes on paper.
review the wireframes
The manager will review the wireframes on Monday.
wireframes and prototypes
Wireframes and prototypes helped the client picture the final site.
sketch out wireframes
He sketched out wireframes during the meeting.

Synonyms and how they differ

mockups
Mockups look closer to the finished product, with color and images, while wireframes show structure only.
prototypes
Prototypes can be clicked and used, while wireframes are usually static outlines.
layouts
Layouts is the general word for arrangements of content, while wireframes means a specific planning drawing.
blueprints
Blueprints suggest a detailed plan for building, while wireframes are lighter and meant for quick discussion.

Word family

wireframe noun
one such outline layout or model
wireframing noun
the activity of making wireframes
wire noun
a thin metal thread
frame noun
a structure that supports or surrounds something

Commonly confused: wireframes or mockups?

wireframes vs mockups

Mockups include visual style, such as fonts and color, while wireframes deliberately leave these out.

Practice

Before choosing colors and fonts, the designers drew simple ____ to plan where each button would go.

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “wireframes”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Your sentence stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.

Explore more words