France

France · proper noun

imported

Definitions

proper noun

  1. 1.

    A country in Western Europe, officially the French Republic, bordered by Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Spain, and Andorra.

  2. 2.

    The territory or government of this country.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    made in France — manufactured in France, often implying quality
  • •
    Vive la France! — "Long live France!" (French patriotic exclamation)
  • •
    Tour de France — the famous annual cycling race
  • •
    French Riviera — the Mediterranean coast of southeastern France

Related words

See also: European, French, country, paris

Etymology

From Medieval Latin Francia meaning "land of the Franks," from Francus "a Frank," the Germanic people who conquered Gaul in the 5th-6th centuries. The name "Frank" possibly derives from a Proto-Germanic word meaning "javelin" or "free." In Old English, the country was called Francland.