noun
Uncommon
Franciscan
fran-SIHSKN
Franciscan (noun) means a member of a Catholic religious order founded by Saint Francis of Assisi, known for vows of poverty and simplicity. Example: “The Franciscans run a shelter for the homeless downtown.”
noun
1
A member of a Catholic religious order founded by Saint Francis of Assisi, known for vows of poverty and simplicity.
"The Franciscans run a shelter for the homeless downtown."
adjective
1
Relating to Saint Francis of Assisi or the religious order he founded.
"The monastery follows a strict Franciscan rule of life."
How to use Franciscan
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA monk or nun of the order founded by Saint Francis of Assisi, known for living simply and helping the poor.
Common pairings
Franciscan friar
Franciscan order
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Word forms
- Plural
- Franciscans
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The _____ run a shelter for the homeless downtown.
Etymology
From Late Latin Franciscānus, from Franciscus (Saint Francis of Assisi, born around 1181).
Class of 1181
Franciscan joined the language around 1181.
See the full Class of 1181 →
Frequently asked questions
What does “Franciscan” mean?
The word “Franciscan” means a member of a Catholic religious order founded by Saint Francis of Assisi, known for vows of poverty and simplicity. In plain terms, a monk or nun of the order founded by Saint Francis of Assisi, known for living simply and helping the poor.
How do you pronounce “Franciscan”?
“Franciscan” is pronounced fran-SIHSKN (/fɹænˈsɪsk(ə)n/ in IPA).
How do you use “Franciscan” in a sentence?
Here is “Franciscan” used in a sentence: “The Franciscans run a shelter for the homeless downtown.”
What part of speech is “Franciscan”?
Depending on how it is used, “Franciscan” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “Franciscan” come from?
The word “Franciscan” dates back to around 1181 and comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin Franciscānus, from Franciscus (Saint Francis of Assisi, born around 1181).
Is “Franciscan” a common word?
“Franciscan” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Franciscan” have?
“Franciscan” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a member of a Catholic religious order founded by Saint Francis of Assisi, known for vows of poverty and simplicity.
