# franc

/ˈfɹæŋk/ (US) · /fɹˈɑːnk/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/franc
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

the basic unit of money used in some French-speaking countries, like Switzerland. It was also the money used in France before they started using the euro.

For teachers: the primary unit of currency in several countries, most notably Switzerland and various nations in Africa. Historically, it served as the national currency of France, Belgium, and Luxembourg prior to the adoption of the euro.

## Examples

- The price of the watch is five hundred Swiss francs.
- While traveling through the Alps, we had to exchange our euros for Swiss francs to pay for the mountain cable car.
- The stability of the Swiss franc often leads investors to treat it as a safe-haven currency during periods of global economic volatility or geopolitical uncertainty.

## Usage notes

- Often abbreviated as 'Fr.' or 'CHF' in financial contexts.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.