1 french | Definition of french
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french

verb, often capitalized
\ ˈfrench How to pronounce french (audio) \
frenched; frenching; frenches

Definition of french

 (Entry 1 of 4)

transitive verb

1 : to trim the meat from the end of the bone of (something, such as a chop)
2 : to cut (green beans) in thin lengthwise strips before cooking

French

adjective
\ ˈfrench How to pronounce French (audio) \

Definition of French (Entry 2 of 4)

1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of France, its people, or their language
2 : of or relating to the overseas descendants of the French people

French

noun

Definition of French (Entry 3 of 4)

1 : a Romance language that developed out of the Vulgar Latin spoken in northern and central Transalpine Gaul and that became the literary and official language of France
2  plural in construction : the French people
3 : strong language pardon my French

French

biographical name
\ ˈfrench How to pronounce French (audio) \

Definition of French (Entry 4 of 4)

Daniel Chester 1850–1931 American sculptor
Other Words from french More Example Sentences Learn More about french

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Other Words from french

Adjective

Frenchness noun

Examples of french in a Sentence

Noun

 the customs of the French

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

 Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner, two incredibly famous people prone to posting photos of themselves frenching on social media, just want to get married—twice—in peace. — Michelle Ruiz, Vogue, "First Diplo, Now Dr. Phil Is Ruining Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner's Wedding," 24 June 2019 Starting from the top, start to french braid your hair. — Victoria Rodriguez, Seventeen, "6 Super Cute Ways to Style Your Box Braids," 4 Feb. 2019 Starting from the top, start to french braid your hair. — Victoria Rodriguez, Seventeen, "6 Super Cute Ways to Style Your Box Braids," 4 Feb. 2019 Starting from the top, start to french braid your hair. — Victoria Rodriguez, Seventeen, "6 Super Cute Ways to Style Your Box Braids," 4 Feb. 2019 Starting from the top, start to french braid your hair. — Victoria Rodriguez, Seventeen, "6 Super Cute Ways to Style Your Box Braids," 4 Feb. 2019 Starting from the top, start to french braid your hair. — Victoria Rodriguez, Seventeen, "6 Super Cute Ways to Style Your Box Braids," 4 Feb. 2019 Starting from the top, start to french braid your hair. — Victoria Rodriguez, Seventeen, "6 Super Cute Ways to Style Your Box Braids," 4 Feb. 2019 Starting from the top, start to french braid your hair. — Victoria Rodriguez, Seventeen, "6 Super Cute Ways to Style Your Box Braids," 4 Feb. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'french.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of french

Verb

circa 1895, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for french

Adjective

Middle English, from Old English frencisc, from Franca Frank

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More Definitions for french

French

adjective
How to pronounce French (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of French

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: of or relating to France, its people, or their language

French

noun

English Language Learners Definition of French (Entry 2 of 2)

: the language of the French people
: the people of France : French people

See the full definition for French in the English Language Learners Dictionary

French

adjective
\ ˈfrench How to pronounce French (audio) \

Kids Definition of French

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: of or relating to France, its people, or the French language

French

noun

Kids Definition of French (Entry 2 of 2)

1 French plural : the people of France
2 : the language of the French people

French

noun
\ ˈfrench How to pronounce French (audio) \
plural French

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