franchise

noun fran·chise \ ˈfran-ˌchīz \

|Updated on: 16 Jun 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

This is the Caps' first Stanley Cup victory in franchise history.

— jenna west, SI.com, "How to Watch Capitals Stanley Cup Parade: Time, Live Stream, Route," 12 June 2018
The Capitals' win last week over the Las Vegas Golden Knights marks its first championship title in franchise history.

— veronica stracqualursi, CNN, "Government employees encouraged to attend Washington Capitals parade," 11 June 2018
And right now, the oddsmakers don't see the Mavericks improving on one of the worst seasons in franchise history.

— peter dawson, star-telegram, "How will the Mavericks finish next season? Oddsmakers provide a pre-NBA Draft outlook," 11 June 2018
Number of times the Marlins have been no-hit in franchise history, and the team hasn’t been no-hit at Marlins Park.

— matthew defranks, Sun-Sentinel.com, "A Closer Look: San Diego Padres 3, Miami Marlins 1," 10 June 2018
Besler made his 241st appearance in an MLS regular season match, the most in franchise history.

— sam mcdowell, kansascity, "Sporting KC remains atop the West with this unusual endeavor in Portland," 9 June 2018
But people say things like that whenever a star player is signed, especially one who is given the richest contract in franchise history.

— kevin acee, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Eric Hosmer's powers always on display in South Florida," 9 June 2018
Brian Anderson, who was not yet born the day Charlie Hough threw the first pitch in franchise history, equaled a career high with three hits.

— clark spencer, miamiherald, "It was 1993 all over again as teal-clad Marlins take care of Padres," 8 June 2018
For the first time in franchise history, the NHL's Washington Capitals have won the Stanley Cup.

— benjamin brown, Fox News, "Washington Capitals beat Vegas Golden Knights to win Stanley Cup," 8 June 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

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Gossip Girl, Big Little Lies, even The Real Housewives franchise: All these shows zero in on the catty behavior among its protagonists, who are, by and large, women.

— christopher rosa, Glamour, "The Bold Type Is TV's Best Depiction of Female Friendship," 12 June 2018
The company, which began franchising in 2014, is growing quickly.

— wesley case, baltimoresun.com, "Vegan bakery Cinnaholic to open in Hampden in early June," 23 May 2018
As the Dodgers celebrated a 4-0 victory over San Diego, Buehler sought out the others who contributed to a unique milestone: The first combined no-hitter in Dodgers franchise history, and only the 12th in the history of the sport.

— andy mccullough, latimes.com, "Dodgers shut out Padres in first combined no-hitter in franchise history," 5 May 2018
That makes the thought of franchising Ansah to the tune of $17.5 million dollars a year a lot more comfortable.

— jamie samuelsen, Detroit Free Press, "Jamie Samuelsen: If Detroit Lions let Ziggy Ansah go, what do they lose?," 22 Feb. 2018
Burgerim has been franchised in seven countries, according to the website.

— carol deptolla, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Mini-burger chain Burgerim is coming to Milwaukee's downtown," 22 May 2018
The dead wife, the misunderstood child straight out of Looper—all of it a ploy in order to throw shots at the Avengers and X-Men, to hold the juggernaut franchises accountable for their team-up-for-profit business model.

— peter rubin, WIRED, "We Need to Talk About That Deadpool 2 Credits Scene," 21 May 2018
Casey, who grew up in Morganfield, Kentucky, before playing for the Wildcats from 1975-1979, is the Raptors franchise’s winningest coach with a 320-238 regular-season record.

— justin sayers, The Courier-Journal, "Toronto Raptors fire NBA coach of the year, ex-Kentucky assistant," 11 May 2018
The Knudsens opened a brick-and-mortar restaurant near Cal Neva Lodge & Casino in 1958 and began franchising in the Sacramento area in 1969, later moving their headquarters to Folsom.

— benjy egel, sacbee, "Jimboy's Tacos to spice up DoCo in Sacramento | The Sacramento Bee," 9 May 2018

Origin and Etymology of franchise

see ¹franchise

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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