approval

[ uh-proo-vuhl ]

noun

1. the act of approving; approbation.
2. formal permission or sanction.
3. Philately. one of a group of selected stamps sent by a dealer to a prospective customer for examination and either purchase or return.

approval

/ əˈpruːvəl /

noun

1. the act of approving
2. formal agreement; sanction
3. a favourable opinion; commendation
4. on approval
   (of articles for sale) for examination with an option to buy or return

Other Words From

• nonap·proval noun
• preap·proval noun
• proap·proval adjective
• reap·proval noun
• self-ap·proval noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of approval¹

First recorded in 1680–90; approve + -al ²

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. on approval, without obligation to buy unless satisfactory to the customer upon trial or examination and, otherwise, returnable:

   We ship merchandise on approval.

More idioms and phrases containing approval

see on approval ; seal of approval .

Example Sentences

They have the public on their side: three quarters of South Koreans want an impeachment, according to the latest polls, while Yoon's approval rating has slid even further to just 13%.

From BBC

The boy born in Barbados arriving in England with a stamp of approval from Brian Lara and Sir Garfield Sobers.

From BBC

The DFB held a committee meeting on Friday to decide its stance, and unanimous approval was given, external to support the 2030 and 2034 bids.

From BBC

Honours can be removed on the advice of the Forfeiture Committee and with the approval of the King.

From BBC

The conflict centers around flavored vapes, which the tobacco industry wants federal approval to sell despite serious public health concerns that the flavors will disproportionately attract teenagers.

From Slate

Related Words

• blessing
• confirmation
• consent
• endorsement
• go ahead
• green light
• license
• mandate
• permission
• ratification
• recommendation
• sanction
• support