WordGarden.iolicense
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /lˈaɪsəns/
US
- /ˈlaɪsəns/
Meanings
Noun
an official permit or document allowing someone to do something
a formal right to use, distribute, or sell software, media, or other intellectual property
freedom or permission to act or interpret beyond normal limits
Verb
to officially permit, certify, or authorize a person, business, or activity
to grant someone the right to use, publish, distribute, or sell something under a license
Beyond the definition
A license is more than the little card in your wallet that lets you drive. It is official permission to do something that normally needs approval. A fishing license lets you catch fish under certain rules. A business needs one to operate legally, and software comes with one that says how it may be used.
The word can also be a verb. Artists often license their work, which means they give others permission to use it, often for a fee. In the phrase "poetic license," it means a bit of creative freedom, where a writer bends normal rules to create a certain effect.
A license is official permission to do something that would otherwise be prohibited. It is a grant from an authority—like a government or organization—allowing you to engage in a specific activity or possess certain rights. For example, a driver's license allows you to legally operate a motor vehicle on public roads, and a business license permits you to run a commercial enterprise.
Licenses cover a wide range of activities beyond just driving or commerce: hunting, fishing, selling alcohol, practicing medicine, and even using copyrighted material. A software license grants you the right to use a program under specific terms and conditions. Without it, using the software would be an infringement of the creator's rights.
The concept also extends into a common business practice. Licensing is a process where one party (the licensor) grants another party (the licensee) the right to use intellectual property—such as patents, trademarks, or copyrights—in exchange for royalties or fees. Think of Disney licensing its characters for use on toys and clothing.
Historically, "license" could also mean freedom from restraint—a more relaxed interpretation of rules. This is where the phrase "poetic license" comes from: a writer's permission to deviate from strict rules of grammar or fact for artistic effect. Whether it is granting legal authorization, enabling commercial activity, protecting intellectual property, or allowing creative flexibility, a license fundamentally represents authorized permission and regulated freedom.
Examples
- 1
Driver's license
I need to renew my driver's license before my birthday.
- 2
Health regulations
The restaurant lost its license after repeated health violations.
- 3
Heavy machinery
You need a license to operate this type of heavy machinery.
- 4
Software terms
The software license allows installation on two computers.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Music rights
The song was used in the film under license from the band.
- Phraseunder license
with official permission from the owner
- 6
Law practice
She is licensed to practice law in three states.
- Patternbe licensed to + verb
have official permission to do it
- 7
Technology rights
The company licenses its technology to several car manufacturers.
- Patternlicense X to Y
let Y use X legally, usually for money
- 8
Artistic freedom
The director took some creative license with the true story.
- Phrasecreative license
changing facts or rules for artistic effect
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
- licence
Used with (collocations)
- driver's license
- business license
- software license
- license to practice
Word family
- licensee
- licensor
Explore
Forms and spellings
8 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- licenseAmericannounverb
Forms
- licensedAmericanpast tenseverbnoun
- licensingAmerican-ing formverbnoun
- licensesAmericanpluralnounverb
Regional spellings
- licenceBritishnounverb
- licencesBritishnounverb
- licencedBritishpast tenseverbnoun
- licencingBritish-ing formverbnoun