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license
[ lahy-suhns ]
noun
- formal permission from a governmental or other constituted authority to do something, as to carry on some business or profession.
- a certificate, tag, plate, etc., giving proof of such permission; official permit:
a driver's license.
- permission to do or not to do something.
- intentional deviation from rule, convention, or fact, as for the sake of literary or artistic effect:
poetic license.
- exceptional freedom allowed in a special situation.
- excessive or undue freedom or liberty.
- the legal right to use a patent owned by another.
verb (used with object)
- to grant authoritative permission or license to.
license
/ ˈlaɪsəns /
verb
- to grant or give a licence for (something, such as the sale of alcohol)
- to give permission to or for
Derived Forms
- ˈlicensable, adjective
- ˈlicenser, noun
Other Words From
- li·cens·a·ble adjective
- li·cense·less adjective
- li·cens·or li·cen·ser noun
- de-li·cense verb (used with object) delicensed delicensing
- non·li·cens·a·ble adjective
- non·li·censed adjective
- pre·li·cense noun verb (used with object) prelicensed prelicensing
- re·li·cense verb (used with object) relicensed relicensing
Word History and Origins
Example Sentences
ICE has said that Ibarra was arrested in New York City in September 2023 and was charged with "acting in a manner to injure a child less than 17 and a motor vehicle license violation".
However, the display of remains does require a license.
With less tritium required, the overall size of the fusion power plant can be reduced, making it easier to license, situate and construct.
But following talks with the UK, the Bulgarians have changed their customs regulations to say that only certain Turkish companies are licensed to export boats.
Political messages seem designed to keep voters “emotionally on edge,” said Vaile Wright, a licensed psychologist in Villa Park, Ill., and a member of the APA’s Stress in America team.
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Related Words
More About License
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.
Where does license come from?
The first records of license in English come from the 1300s. It comes from the Latin word licentia, which means “authorization” or “freedom” and is based on the Latin verb licēre, meaning “to be allowed.”
In a general sense, license refers to permission. But it most commonly refers to official permission, especially from a government. Your driver’s license is the card in your wallet with a bad picture of you on it, but that card represents the permission you have been given to drive. In most places, you have to earn that permission by taking a test and proving that you’re a good driver (OK, that you have a basic ability to operate a vehicle). The same thing goes for many licenses, including those to practice law or medicine—you have to prove that you have the knowledge or skill necessary to do those things, because otherwise you could seriously hurt people or mess up their lives. There are many other examples of professions that require licenses, and there are also licenses for recreational activities. In some places, you need a hunting license or a fishing license.
It’s not only individual people who can hold licenses—some organizations and businesses require licenses, too. For example, in the United States, restaurants need a license to serve alcohol.
Though license is most commonly used in an official sense, it can be used generally to mean “permission” or “authority,” as in Your promotion doesn’t give you a license to be rude to your coworkers.
License is sometimes used in a figurative sense, as in poetic license, which is the freedom of artists to change something for effect, even if it’s not correct or realistic. James Bond’s famous license to kill isn’t figurative or metaphorical—he literally has permission to kill people if he considers it necessary to complete a mission (in fact, that’s what it means to have “double-0” status in the books and movies in which Agent 007 appears).
Did you know ... ?
What are some other forms related to license?
- licensed (verb, adjective)
- licensee (noun)
- licensor (noun)
- licensable (adjective)
- delicense (verb)
What are some synonyms for license?
What are some words that share a root or word element with license?
What are some words that often get used in discussing license?
How is license used in real life?
License is commonly used to refer to the document that proves that you have permission to do something, such as drive a car, practice medicine, serve alcohol, operate a boat, hunt, fish, and many other activities.
I was 19 years old when I got my driver's license. I didn't even know how to turn on the headlights, which exasperated the driving test lady. I didn't do a full stop at a stop sign. I passed with the exact cutoff score, mostly because I think the lady didn't wanna see me again.
— Sara Marie Reine (@smreine) August 6, 2019
My mom offered to pay for my liquor license😪💗 y’all Im officially serious about this business now.
— Makaila✨ (@makailajaay) February 28, 2020
I got my boating license today & I got to ride a jet ski for the first time in the ocean & OMG im so happyyyy🥺
— Marlehneh (@marliiniiweenie) March 4, 2020
Try using license!
Which of the following words could be considered an antonym (opposite) for license?
A. permission
B. permit
C. ban
D. authorization
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