franchise

noun fran·chise \ ˈfran-ˌchīz \

Updated on: 8 Apr 2018

Definition of franchise

1 : freedom or immunity from some burden or restriction vested in a person or group

2 a : a special privilege granted to an individual or group; especially : the right to be and exercise the powers of a corporation

b : a constitutional or statutory right or privilege; especially : the right to vote

c (1) : the right or license granted to an individual or group to market a company's goods or services in a particular territory; also : a business granted such a right or license

just opened a new fast-food franchise down the street

(2) : the territory involved in such a right

3 a : the right of membership in a professional sports league

b : a team and its operating organization having such membership

He's the best player in the history of the franchise.

See franchise defined for English-language learners

See franchise defined for kids

Examples of franchise in a Sentence

She was granted an exclusive franchise in the city's west end.
They just opened a new fast-food franchise down the street.
The U.S. did not extend the franchise to women until the early 20th century.
He's the best player in the history of the franchise.

Recent Examples of franchise from the Web

The ring also has 56 round diamonds encircling the logo, representing the 56 seasons in Astros' franchise history.

— matt young, Houston Chronicle, "Astros World Series rings have 214 diamonds, 25 sapphires," 3 Apr. 2018
Zetterberg needs one point to reach 955 career points and move into sole possession of fifth place in franchise history, ahead of Sergei Fedorov.

— helene st. james, Detroit Free Press, "Red Wings' Henrik Zetterberg on future: 'If I’m not healthy, it’s over'," 3 Apr. 2018
The losing streak was the longest in franchise history for the Suns (20-59).

— jason jones, sacbee, "With rookie point guards struggling and little help from bench, Kings can't catch Suns | The Sacramento Bee," 3 Apr. 2018
The Astros beat the Dodgers 5–1 in Game 7 to complete a remarkable postseason run and win its first World Series title in franchise history.

— charlotte carroll, SI.com, "Watch: Astros Awarded 2017 World Series Rings," 3 Apr. 2018
The Raptors are having their finest season in franchise history and could be the team to beat in the East.

— jill martin, CNN, "NBA playoffs 2018: Who are title contenders?," 2 Apr. 2018
The victory gave Florida 40 wins for the season, marking the fifth time in franchise history that milestone was reached.

— walter villa, miamiherald, "Florida Panthers’ playoff hopes still alive. This is why. | Miami Herald," 2 Apr. 2018
Bernier, who stopped three shots, and Varlamov combined for the first team shutout in franchise history, according to the Avalanche.

— pat graham, chicagotribune.com, "Blackhawks routed 5-0 by Avalanche," 31 Mar. 2018
Phoenix is trying to avoid going winless for a full month for the first time in franchise history.

— scott bordow, azcentral, "Game Day: Short-handed Suns on verge of equaling franchise record 14th straight loss," 30 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'franchise.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of franchise

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from franchir to free, from franc free — more at frank

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

franchise Synonyms

Other Business Terms

amortize, caveat emptor, clearinghouse, divest, due diligence, emolument, green-collar, marque, overhead, perquisite

franchise

verb

Definition of franchise

franchised; franchising

transitive verb

1 archaic : free

2 : to grant a franchise to

See franchise defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of franchise from the Web

The company was founded in 2009, and has been franchising its business since 2014.

— paul takahashi, Houston Chronicle, "Doggy daycare company expands to Houston," 2 Apr. 2018
The company then owned eight stores and franchised 11.

— mike clary, Sun-Sentinel.com, "H. Wayne Huizenga, South Florida business titan, dead at 80," 23 Mar. 2018
Grandview brings in $15 million a year from revenues including property, sales and franchise taxes.

— steve vockrodt, kansascity, "A $234 million soccer development is in limbo as developers want more city money | The Kansas City Star," 22 Mar. 2018
Gentner, who also owns a Club Pilates franchise in St. Charles, said his studio largely focuses on reformer Pilates, which involves the use of a resistance device.

— jennifer johnson, chicagotribune.com, "Shout Out: Andy Gentner, Club Pilates Park Ridge owner," 22 Mar. 2018
With the win, Cincinnati is now five matches through its preseason and hosts United Soccer League newcomers and eventual Major League Soccer franchise Nashville SC on Saturday afternoon at Gettler Stadium.

— charlie hatch, Cincinnati.com, "Takeaways from FC Cincinnati's 3-0 win at Northern Kentucky University," 27 Feb. 2018
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the Minnesota Vikings are not expected to franchise tag QB Case Keenum, which would make the quarterback a free agent.

— jeremy cluff, azcentral, "Cardinals quarterback rumors: 'Legit, very real chance' Kirk Cousins lands in Arizona," 7 Mar. 2018
Anyone interested in inquiring about franchising in Birmingham should contact Director of Franchising P.J. Nee at (704) 998-8188.

— william thornton, AL.com, "Maaco looks to expand to up to 6 locations in Birmingham," 1 Mar. 2018
With the Dallas Cowboys promising to franchise tag DeMarcus Lawrence, Ansah becomes the best edge-rusher available, but that isn’t saying much.

— zak keefer, Indianapolis Star, "Top 10 NFL free agents by position: Defense," 26 Feb. 2018

Origin and Etymology of franchise

see ¹franchise

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

Other Business Terms

amortize, caveat emptor, clearinghouse, divest, due diligence, emolument, green-collar, marque, overhead, perquisite

FRANCHISE Defined for English Language Learners

franchise

noun

Definition of franchise for English Language Learners

: the right to sell a company's goods or services in a particular area; also : a business that is given such a right
: the right to vote
sports : a team that is a member of a professional sports league

franchise

verb

Definition of franchise for English Language Learners

: to offer the right to sell (your company's goods or services) in a particular area

Law Dictionary

franchise

noun fran·chise \ ˈfran-ˌchīz \

legal Definition of franchise

1 : a special right or privilege granted by the government to an individual, group, or business entity: as

a : a right to conduct a business and especially to be and to exercise the powers of a corporation

b : a right granted to a public utility company to provide services and to use public land for that purpose

2 : a constitutional or statutory right; especially : the right to vote —used with the

restricting them in employment, education, the franchise, legal personality, and public accommodation
—W. H. Burns

3 : a right or license that is granted to an individual or group to market a company's goods or services in a particular territory under the company's trademark, trade name, or service mark and that often involves the use of rules and procedures designed by the company and services (as advertising) and facilities provided by the company in return for fees, royalties, or other compensation; also : a business granted such a right or license

ran a fast-food franchise

4 a : an amount of liability (as a percentage or sum) specified in an insurance contract below which an insurer disclaims liability and above which the insurer assumes total liability — compare deductible

b : group insurance covering fewer than the minimum number of participants required by law for such coverage