plural franchises
1
: the right to sell a company's goods or services in a particular area
She was granted an exclusive franchise in the city's west end.
also
: a business that is given such a right
They just opened a new fast-food franchise down the street.
2
: the right to vote
The U.S. did not extend the franchise to women until the early 20th century.
3
US, sports
: a team that is a member of a professional sports league
He's the best player in the history of the franchise.
Note: In U.S. and Canadian English, a franchise player is the best and most important player on a particular professional sports team.
franchises; franchised; franchising
: to offer the right to sell (your company's goods or services) in a particular area
Most of the restaurants are owned by the company, but 15 are franchised restaurants. [=are owned and operated by people who have a franchise]
Cite this Entry
“Franchise.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/franchise. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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