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The word frank comes from the name of the Franks, a West Germanic people who lived long ago. In the early Middle Ages the Franks were in power in France. (It was from them that the country got its name, in Latin Francia.) The Franks eventually merged with the earlier Gaulish and Roman inhabitants, and their name (Francus in Latin) lost its ethnic sense and referred to any inhabitant of Francia who was free, that is, not a slave or bondman. As an adjective, francus came to mean simply “free.” From the English adjective frank, which means “free” or “forthright,” we get the verb frank, which means “to mark mail with an official sign so that it may be mailed free.”
Examples of frank in a Sentence
Michelle Williams, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Given the role’s frank sexuality, it’s also sparked yet more of the endless conversation and controversy that seems to trail her.
—Daniel D'addario, Variety, 10 June 2026
Brittany Carloni, IndyStar, 11 Aug. 2025
Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 4 May 2026
Each package comes with approximately 12 franks.
—Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for frank
Cite this Entry
“Frank.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frank. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
frank
1 of 2 adjectiveFrank
2 of 2 nounMedical Definition
frank
adjectiveBiographical Definition
Frank 1 of 2
biographical name (1)
Frank
2 of 2
