First Known Use: 1619
Dictionary
lingua franca
noun lin·gua fran·ca \ˈliŋ-gwə-ˈfraŋ-kə\
: a language that is used among people who speak various different languages
plural lingua francas or lin·guae fran·cae \-gwē-ˈfraŋ-(ˌ)kē\
Full Definition of LINGUA FRANCA
1
often capitalized : a common language consisting of Italian mixed with French, Spanish, Greek, and Arabic that was formerly spoken in Mediterranean ports
2
: any of various languages used as common or commercial tongues among peoples of diverse speech
3
: something resembling a common language <movies are the lingua franca of the twentieth century — Gore Vidal>
See lingua franca defined for English-language learners
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Origin of LINGUA FRANCA
Italian, literally, Frankish language
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Rhymes with LINGUA FRANCA
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