Meanings
plural French 75s · alternative French seventy-five
- historicalgovernmentThe Canon de 75 modèle 1897, an artillery piece capable of firing 75 mm shells.
The French 75 in its barrel diameter is a fraction of an inch smaller than our 3-inch gun, the exact equivalent of 75 millimeters being 2.95275 inches.
1919, Benedict Crowell, America's Munitions 1917–1918, Washington: Government Printing OfficeSynonyms: 75
- A cocktail made with gin, champagne, and lemon juice.
[At the bar, Yvonne and the German officer place their orders.] French seventy-fives.
1942, Julius J. Epstein, Philip G. Epstein, Howard Koch, Casablanca, spoken by German officer
Synonyms & antonyms
nounThe Canon de 75 modèle 1897, an artillery piece capable of firing 75 mm shells.
Origin
From the caliber of the shells, 75 mm (~ 3 in.). The cocktail was named after the artillery, alluding to its impact, 1920s.
Full word history & related roots →Cite this entry
French 75. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/French%2075
“French 75.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/French%2075. Accessed November 4, 2026.
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “French 75,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/French%2075.
Source: French 75 on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.