license

[lahy-suhns]

noun

1. formal permission from a governmental or other constituted authority to do something, as to carry on some business or profession.

2. a certificate, tag, plate, etc., giving proof of such permission; official permit.

   a driver's license.

3. permission to do or not to do something.

4. intentional deviation from rule, convention, or fact, as for the sake of literary or artistic effect.

   poetic license.

5. exceptional freedom allowed in a special situation.

6. excessive or undue freedom or liberty.

7. licentiousness.

8. the legal right to use a patent owned by another.

verb (used with object)

licensed, licensing 

1. to grant authoritative permission or license to.

license

/ ˈlaɪsəns /

verb

1. to grant or give a licence for (something, such as the sale of alcohol)

2. to give permission to or for

Other Word Forms

• licensable adjective
• licenseless adjective
• licensor noun
• licenser noun
• de-license verb (used with object)
• nonlicensable adjective
• nonlicensed adjective
• prelicense noun
• relicense verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of license¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English licence, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin licentia “authorization,” Latin: “freedom,” equivalent to licent- (stem of licēns, present participle of licēre “to be allowed”) + -ia noun suffix; -ia, -ence

Example Sentences

Pubs and bars in England and Wales could see extended opening hours as the government launches a fast-track a review on "outdated" licensing rules.

Read more on BBC

But the new announcement makes clear that licenses are unlikely to be issued to arms manufacturers and certain companies in the chip industry.

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I have so many memories of driving to the beach with my sisters and my friends that had licenses when I didn’t, and I’m just in the back and we’re screaming “Electra Heart.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Prosecutors have acknowledged she had a licensed firearm in her car but never brandished it.

Read more on Salon

Ertonguc is advocating for retail licensing, mandatory age checks, pre-market product testing and clearer health warnings to reflect the risk profile of vaping compared to smoking, and tougher penalties for those who break the rules.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• authorization 
• certificate 
• charter 
• consent 
• exemption 
• grant 
• immunity 
• permit 
• privilege 
• right 
• ticket 
• warrant 

When To Use

What does license mean?

License means permission to do something, especially formal permission from a government or other authority. The word often refers to the proof of that permission, such as a card or certificate.A license can be required for many different kinds of activities, especially those that may be considered dangerous if a person does not have the proper training. The most common types of licenses are driver’s licenses, professional licenses, and licenses for businesses. Those who hold such licenses are said to be licensed. License can also be used as a verb, meaning “to grant permission” or “to give a license to.” In British English, it is commonly spelled licence.Example: I have permission to operate here, and if you doubt it you can even see my license.