窗框 (chuāngkuàng) literally combines 窗 (chuāng), meaning 'window', and 框 (kuàng), meaning 'frame' or 'border'. Together, it refers specifically to the structural frame that holds a window — typically made of wood, metal, or plastic — into which the glass panes and sash are fitted. It is the fixed outer perimeter surrounding the movable parts of a window.

This term is commonly used in construction, home renovation, interior design, and everyday descriptions of buildings or rooms. Unlike general terms like 边框 (biānkuàng, 'border') or 框架 (kuàngjià, 'framework'), 窗框 is highly specific to windows and appears in technical contexts as well as casual speech when discussing repairs, painting, or installation. It is a concrete, countable noun and usually appears with measure words like 个 (gè) or 条 (tiáo) depending on shape.