license

American  

[lahy-suhns] / ˈlaɪ səns /

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.

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verb (used with object)

licensed, licensing

1. to grant authoritative permission or license to.

license British  

/ ˈlaɪsəns /

verb

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

2. to give permission to or for

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Usage

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.

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of license

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

Explanation

What does 007's license to kill have to do with that driver's license you can't wait to acquire? Both are forms of permissions conferred officially. If you’re in England, the noun ends in “c,” as in driver’s licence. When you have a license, you have official permission to do something, like drive a car. Bars need a liquor license to serve alcohol. Doctors need a medical license to practice medicine. You can also say people have license to do something, which means they're free to do it, like if you give yourself poetic license to misspell your own name. In Britain, license is only a verb, meaning "allow," and the noun form is spelled with two cs: licence.

Example Sentences

The English Devolution Bill, which is currently going through parliament, will give Transport for London the powers to regulate and license dockless e-bikes.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

I acquired the license plate via a 4K traffic camera at the intersection, a camera you could not see.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

With those rights, Phillips went on to license Thompson’s design to screw manufacturers, making him rich off the royalties.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

Earlier this week, BWX notified regulators of its intent to license a new uranium enrichment plant adjacent to its existing nuclear fuel site in Tennessee.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

Now, even a parking lot and out-of-state license plates and strip malls in the distance wink with hope.

From "A Heart in a Body in the World" by Deb Caletti

Related Words

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