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Francophone

American  
[frang-kuh-fohn] / ˈfræŋ kəˌfoʊn /

adjective

  1. Also Francophonic speaking French, especially as a member of a French-speaking population.


noun

  1. a person who speaks French, especially a native speaker.

Francophone British  
/ ˈfræŋkəʊˌfəʊn /

noun

  1. a person who speaks French, esp a native speaker

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

adjective

  1. speaking French as a native language

  2. using French as a lingua franca

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of Francophone

First recorded in 1895–1900; Franco- + -phone

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Quebec is the only Canadian province that is primarily Francophone.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

The rest of the cast includes a trio of great Francophone actors: Daniel Auteuil, Mathieu Amalric and Virginie Efira.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 9, 2026

The French-language debate is especially important for Francophone Canadians in Quebec, whose votes are influential in helping decide which party will form Canada's next government.

From BBC • Feb. 24, 2025

Her sure-handedness won her acclaim as the “grande dame” of Francophone literature.

From New York Times • Apr. 2, 2024

She introduces herself as Dr. Margot, the Francophone Foundation chaperone for the trip, and helps me check in.

From "You Bring the Distant Near" by Mitali Perkins