What does "license" mean?
A legal document giving official permission to do something; a permit.
License
/ˈlaɪ.səns/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A legal document giving official permission to do something; a permit.
- Grammar: license is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: permit, abandon, academic freedom, accredit.
- Useful contrasts: free website template, ban, banning.
- Usage evidence: I think you'll have very little difficulty in getting a driver's license.
How to use "license"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "license" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "license" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "license" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "license" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "license" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "permit" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "license", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A legal document giving official permission to do something; a permit. US, countable, uncountable
"Hello. I would like to buy a fish licence please."
- 2 the act of giving a formal (usually written) authorization wordnet
- 3 The legal terms under which a person is allowed to use a product, especially software. US, countable, uncountable
"Thus, while the license will grant the user the right to use the software, a major concern is the scope of that use. For example, will the user be granted the right to copy, modify, or transfer the software?"
- 4 a legal document giving official permission to do something wordnet
- 5 Freedom to deviate deliberately from normally applicable rules or practices (especially in behaviour or speech). US, countable, uncountable
"In some instances, the author took license to include events which never happened, or to purposely create events which may run in the face of popular conjecture if the author felt it would help the story along."
Show 4 more definitions
- 6 freedom to deviate deliberately from normally applicable rules or practices (especially in behavior or speech) wordnet
- 7 Excessive freedom; lack of due restraint. US, countable, uncountable
"I envy not the beast that takes His license in the field of time, Unfetter’d by the sense of crime, To whom a conscience never wakes; […]"
- 8 excessive freedom; lack of due restraint wordnet
- 9 Ellipsis of driver's license. US, abbreviation, alt-of, countable, ellipsis, uncountable
"In order to enter the building, I need to show my license."
Verb
- 1 To authorize officially. US
"I am licensed to practice law in this state."
- 2 authorize officially wordnet
- 3 (applied to a piece of intellectual property); To give formal authorization to use. US, transitive
"It was decided to license Wikipedia under the GFDL."
- 4 (applied to a piece of intellectual property); To acquire authorization to use, usually in exchange for compensation. US, transitive
"The filmmakers licensed several iconic 80's songs for the soundtrack."
- 5 To give permission or freedom to; accept. US, transitive
"Intruders there were in Harley Street, of whom it was not aware; but Mr and Mrs Merdle it delighted to honour. Society was aware of Mr and Mrs Merdle. Society had said ‘Let us license them; let us know them.’"
Show 1 more definition
- 6 To permit (as grammatically correct). US, transitive
"No English adverbs have mandatory complements, and most don't even license optional ones."
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"I think you'll have very little difficulty in getting a driver's license."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "license"?
Common synonyms include: permit, abandon, academic freedom, accredit, accredited, accrediting.
How do you use "license" in a sentence?
I think you'll have very little difficulty in getting a driver's license.
How do you pronounce "license"?
Pronounced /ˈlaɪ.səns/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Middle English licence, licens, lisence, lissens, licance, from Old French licence, from Latin licentia (“license”), from licens, present participle of licere (“to be allowed, be allowable”); compare linquere, Ancient Greek λείπω (leípō, “leave”).
Etymology 2
From Middle English licencen, licensen, lisensen, licent, from Old French licencer, licencier, licenciier, licenser, from Medieval Latin licentiō (cf. English licentiate).