Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

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.

See Examples For:

Carney said Canadian subsidies for Francophone culture, the role of Francophone online media and bilingual labeling of products sold in Canada were among the issues at stake.

From Barron's Aug. 24, 2026

Popular in Francophone countries, Nothomb’s book includes introspective passages with literary descriptions of the author’s feelings at that young age.

From Los Angeles Times Nov. 6, 2025

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

The Francophone Foundation has splurged on accommodations for the prize winners.

From "You Bring the Distant Near" by Mitali Perkins

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Dictionary.com's Learning Companion

Go beyond just looking up words.
Remember them forever with VocabTrainer.

Start training