licence

"Licence" is a very useful everyday word with a couple of closely related meanings. It can be a noun (a document or permission) and, in some varieties of English, a verb too. Here are the most important senses to know.

1nounofficial document or permit

A licence is an official document that gives you permission to do something — like drive a car, sell alcohol, or practice medicine. Think of it as a piece of paper (or card) that says 'you are allowed to do this.'

everyday language, law, government · Modern, widely used

She passed her test and finally got her driving licence.

The restaurant lost its licence because it broke the health regulations.

You need a fishing licence before you can fish in that lake.

2nounfigurativefreedom or permission to do something

Sometimes 'licence' means the freedom or permission to behave in a certain way — not a physical document, but more of an idea. For example, if someone gives you 'licence' to make decisions, they are saying you are free to do so.

everyday language, formal writing · Modern, used in both formal and informal contexts · figurative

The manager gave the team full licence to try new ideas.

Being a creative writer gives you a certain licence to bend the rules of grammar.

His fame seemed to give him licence to say whatever he wanted.

3verbto give official permission

As a verb, 'to licence' (also spelled 'license' in this form) means to officially allow someone or something to do something. Note: in British English, 'licence' is the noun and 'license' is the verb, but many people use them interchangeably.

law, business, government · Modern, widely used

The government licences all new pharmacies before they can open.

The software is licenced for use by up to ten people.

Only licenced electricians are allowed to do this kind of work.