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

What happens when a leader of a democratic country believes he has a license to kill and proceeds to use it?

From Salon

While pioneers like Jane Couch, the first licensed female boxer in the United Kingdon, fought to make women's boxing visible, Braekhus carved a different path - she brought the sport back to an entire nation.

From BBC

It opened in Kern County without proper permits or a business license as required by state law, according to California City’s mayor.

From Los Angeles Times

In the music industry, the owner of a master recording controls the way it is distributed and licensed.

From BBC

California driver’s licenses are getting yet another redesign with new security measures — but motorists don’t have to race to their nearest DMV office to update theirs.

From Los Angeles Times

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.