franc

noun

ˈfraŋk 

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

The Young Socialists group is hoping to enforce a 50 percent tax on inheritances over 50 million francs, or $56 million. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 14 Dec. 2024

Widely viewed as a safe haven amid political turbulence in the euro zone, the franc has largely resisted surrendering ground despite the SNB’s rate trims. —Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 12 Dec. 2024

But time has not dimmed the wattage of his recall for shenanigans having to do with pliant jury members and bags of francs. —Steven Gaydos, Variety, 27 Nov. 2024

This pushed the euro to a two-year low against the dollar while the Swiss franc slid to its weakest since July. —Matthew Burgess, Fortune, 24 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing franc

• cabernet franc
• franc-tireur

Kids Definition

franc

noun

ˈfraŋk 

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