French fries

American  

plural noun

1. thin strips of potato that have been deep-fried.

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Etymology

Origin of French fries

First recorded in 1915–20

Compare meaning

How does french-fries compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• French fries vs. onion rings

Example Sentences

Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign are studying how microwave frying can improve the way French fries are made.

From Science Daily • Apr. 2, 2026

If you had to name a few typical foods for children, my guess is that you’d list chicken nuggets, pizza, French fries and maybe macaroni and cheese.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

I like their sandwiches, or the hickory burger with cheese, and there’s good French fries.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2026

She often ate until she felt uncomfortably full and was especially drawn to sugary and salty foods such as packaged cupcakes, fast-food roast beef sandwiches, and French fries.

From Science Daily • Dec. 8, 2025

Waiting in a booth at the restaurant, Yvonne, Vega and me ordered some sodas and French fries to pass the time until Ma came.

From "The Stars Beneath Our Feet" by David Barclay Moore