license
license Lexical Profile
license Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An official document, permit, or card granting the holder legal permission to own, use, or do something.
"She kept her driver's license in her wallet at all times."
Formal or official authorization to undertake an action or engage in a specific business.
"The developer finally obtained license to begin construction on the historic property."
Freedom to deviate from strict rules, literal facts, or conventional practice, often for creative or artistic effect.
"The director took creative license with the historical timeline to make the film more dramatic."
• verb
To grant formal or official permission to someone to do something or to allow a specific activity.
"The state health department licenses medical practitioners to ensure public safety."
To authorize the use, performance, or release of a product, patent, or creative work under negotiated contractual conditions.
"The software company licenses its technology to hardware manufacturers globally."
Word Nuance & Usage
In American English, 'license' is used for both the noun and the verb. In British and Commonwealth English, the noun is spelled 'licence' and the verb is spelled 'license'.
• Rhymes for license
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Late Middle English (via Old French from Latin 'licentia' meaning 'freedom or lawlessness'), originally referring to a deviation from strict rules or literal fact.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.