Franchise

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Franchise

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun and verb

Pronunciation

FRAN-chyz  /ˈfræntʃaɪz/

Definition

As a noun: an authorisation granted by a company to an individual or group to sell its products or operate under its brand; the right to vote; a licence to trade in a particular way. As a verb: to grant a franchise to.

Plain meaning

A franchise is either the right to vote, or the licence a business grants to others to operate under its name and system — a McDonald's or Subway location is a franchise.

Register

Neutral in commercial contexts. Slightly formal in political and constitutional contexts when referring to the right to vote.