1
: any of various former basic monetary units (as in Belgium, France, and Luxembourg)
2
the basic monetary unit of Switzerland and a number of especially sub-Saharan nations in Africa see Money Table

Examples of franc in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Retailing for 139 Swiss francs ($174) and launched on Wednesday, the watch is intended as a limited edition product, a company spokesperson told CNBC. Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 12 Sep. 2025 In desperate need of shelf-stable foods to feed his armies, Napoléon Bonaparte offered a reward of 12,000 francs to anyone who could invent a new method of food preservation. Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Sep. 2025 Available in four dial colors, each limited to 60 pieces, the Defy Chronograph USM is priced at 10,900 Swiss francs, or $11,800. Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2025 Cans have existed for way longer than can openers have Here’s a perfect example of humanity’s knack for stumbling onto brilliant solutions without understanding them: In 1795, Napoleon offered 12,000 francs to anyone who could figure out how to preserve food for his army. Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for franc

Word History

Etymology

French

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

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Cite this Entry

“Franc.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/franc. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

franc

noun
1
: the former basic unit of money of France and Belgium
2
: a basic unit of money (as of Switzerland)
3
: a coin representing one franc

More from Merriam-Webster on franc

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