noun

franchise

FRANT-shyz

noun

A business that is authorized to sell a company's goods or services in a particular area, operating under its brand.

"She opened a fast-food franchise on the edge of town."

An official right or privilege granted by a government, especially the right to vote.

"The reform extended the franchise to all adults over eighteen."

A series of related films, games, or other media built around the same characters or world.

"The superhero franchise has released over twenty films."

verb

To grant someone the right to sell one's goods or services under one's brand.

"The coffee chain began franchising its stores in the 1990s."

How to Use Franchise

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA licensed branch of a business (like a fast-food chain), the right to vote, or a long-running series of films or games.

Common pairings

franchise owner the right to franchise movie franchise extend the franchise

franchised past tense, franchises plural, franchises singular

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She opened a fast-food _____ on the edge of town.

From Old French franchise ("freedom"), from franc ("free") — related to "frank."

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