franklin

noun

frank·​lin ˈfraŋ-klən How to pronounce franklin (audio)
: a medieval English landowner of free but not noble birth

Word History

Etymology

Middle English frankeleyn, from Anglo-French franclein, from franc

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of franklin was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near franklin

Cite this Entry

“Franklin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/franklin. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Geographical Definition

Franklin

geographical name

Frank·​lin ˈfraŋ-klən How to pronounce Franklin (audio)
1
city in east central Massachusetts population 31,635
2
town in central Tennessee south of Nashville population 62,487
3
city in southeastern Wisconsin, a south-southwestern suburb of Milwaukee population 35,451
4
former district in the northern part of the Northwest Territories, Canada, including the Arctic islands and Boothia and Melville peninsulas; area now divided between Nunavut and the Northwest Territories

Biographical Definition

Franklin 1 of 4

biographical name (1)

Frank·​lin ˈfraŋ-klən How to pronounce Franklin (audio)
Aretha (Louise) 1942–2018 American singer

Franklin

2 of 4

biographical name (2)

Benjamin 1706–1790 American statesman and philosopher

Franklin

3 of 4

biographical name (3)

Sir John 1786–1847 English arctic explorer

Franklin

4 of 4

biographical name (4)

Rosalind Elsie 1920–1958 English biophysicist

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