What does license mean?
License denotes formal permission to perform an activity or use something, especially when that permission comes from a government, owner, publisher, or other authority. The noun can refer either to the permission itself or to the document or agreement that records it, as in a driver's license or a software license. As a verb, license means to authorize someone to use, reproduce, sell, or distribute material, frequently under specified conditions. The word often suggests an official grant with terms, obligations, or restrictions, although it can also refer more broadly to permission to act. In creative contexts, artistic license denotes freedom to interpret or depart from conventional rules. British English generally uses licence for the noun, while US English uses license; license is the verb form in both varieties. Together, the noun and verb make license especially useful for describing permission that carries legal, commercial, or creative conditions.
Formal permission granted by an authority to do, use, sell, or distribute something; also the document or agreement representing that permission.
"The venue requires a license before serving alcohol."
Spelled licence in British English for the noun and license in US English. Broader uses, such as artistic license, refer to freedom rather than an official authorization.
To authorize someone to do or use something, especially through a formal grant that may impose conditions.
"The studio licensed the images for use in an educational app."
This spelling is standard in British and US English. The verb often implies a grant made by an owner or authority rather than simple personal permission.
The plural is licenses in US English and licences in British English.
"The company holds licenses for two of its songs."
From Latin permission to modern digital permissions, license has tracked the power to say yes—with conditions.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does license come from?
The word entered Middle English through Old French licence, which came from Latin licentia, meaning permission or license and derived from licere, “to allow.” The noun originally carried the broad sense of freedom or latitude before becoming strongly associated with official and legal authorization. The closely related licentious was formed from the same Latin root but developed a negative sense, describing excessive or unrestrained freedom or behavior.
Related word forms
How license is actually used
British English normally spells the noun licence, while US English uses license; license is the verb spelling in both varieties. As a general noun, license often carries a more formal or official sense than permission. When used as a verb, it regularly appears in legal, commercial, and creative contexts and may imply terms or restrictions.
Easily confused with license
Licence is the usual British spelling of the noun, whereas license is the US spelling; license is also the verb spelling in both varieties.