Synonyms

French fries

American

plural noun

thin strips of potato that have been deep-fried.

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

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

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

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

For a laid-back spot where you and your friends can sit at picnic tables and enjoy juicy pastrami sandwiches, loaded French fries and refreshing cocktails, check out Johnny’s in West Adams.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 27, 2025

She says she wants to try their French fries.

From "Counting by 7s" by Holly Goldberg Sloan

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023