license

li-cense · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    (American spelling) An official document giving someone permission to own, use, or do something.

  2. 2.

    To grant a license to; to authorize.

  3. 3.

    Permission or freedom to do something.

  4. 4.

    (Computing) A legal agreement specifying how software can be used.

Forms

plural: licenses

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    driver's license — (American) an official document permitting someone to drive
  • •
    license plate — a metal plate displaying a vehicle's registration number
  • •
    license agreement — a contract governing the use of intellectual property
  • •
    site license — permission to use software on multiple computers at one location

Related words

Antonyms: ban, prohibition
See also: authorize, licence, licensed, permit
Synonyms: authorization, certificate, permission, permit

Etymology

From Old French licence, from Latin licentia ("freedom, liberty, license"), from licere ("to be allowed").