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REFERENCE

franchise

n. · v.
US //ˈfɹænˌtʃaɪz// UK //fɹˈɑːntʃaɪz// fran·chise
  1. 1 business model (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a right given by a company to a person or group to sell its products or services in a specific area.

    a commercial authorization granted by a corporation to an individual or group, enabling them to carry out specified commercial activities.

    Example

    He decided to open a fast-food franchise because the brand was already famous.

    Example

    The entrepreneur evaluated several franchise opportunities, weighing the high initial investment against the security of an established supply chain.

    Usage

    Often used with 'open', 'buy', or 'operate'.
  2. 2 media/entertainment (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a series of related films, books, or games that share the same characters or world.

    a collection of related intellectual property across various media, typically authorized by a single copyright holder.

    Example

    The superhero franchise has released over twenty movies in the last decade.

    Example

    The studio's most profitable franchise expanded into theme parks and merchandise, ensuring long-term revenue beyond the box office.
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  1. 3 the right to vote (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Law

    the legal right to vote in a public election.

    the constitutional or statutory right to vote in public elections; often referred to as 'the franchise'.

    Example

    In the early 20th century, many women fought to gain the franchise.

    Example

    The expansion of the franchise was a pivotal moment in the country's transition toward a more inclusive democracy.
    • disenfranchisement
  2. 4 sports team (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate American English Sport

    a professional sports team that is part of a league.

    a professional sports organization that is a member of a league, particularly in North American sports structures.

    Example

    The city was excited to finally have its own basketball franchise.

    Example

    The league decided to award an expansion franchise to the city after seeing the high demand for professional hockey in the region.
  3. 5 to grant rights (v.)
    C1 Advanced Technical

    to give a person or company the right to sell your products.

    to grant a franchise to an individual or group; to authorize the distribution of goods or services under a brand name.

    Example

    The company plans to franchise its coffee shops across Europe next year.

    Example

    By choosing to franchise the business model rather than owning every location, the corporation achieved rapid international growth with minimal capital risk.

    Usage

    Transitive verb taking a direct object.
Etymology 1

From Middle English franchise, fraunchise, from Old French franchise (“freedom”), a derivative of franc (“free”). More at frank.

Etymology 2

From Middle English franchisen, fraunchisen, from Old French franchir (stem franchiss-, “to set free”), from franc (“free”). More at frank.

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