a permit from an authority to own or use something, do a particular thing, or carry on a trade (especially in alcoholic beverages), the legal right to use a patent or copyrighted material

give someone license to do something, take out a license on something, license to print money

marriage license, driver's license, liquor license

Formal and Informal Expressions of license

In different contexts, you can replace 'license' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'permit, authorization, warrant' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'green light, go-ahead' is a commonplace synonym.

license: Explore its Definition & Usage

license Definition

1a permit from an authority to own or use something, do a particular thing, or carry on a trade (especially in alcoholic beverages)
2the legal right to use a patent or copyrighted material

Using license: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "license" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
He applied for a license to sell alcohol.
Example
She has a license to drive a car.
Example
The company obtained a license to use the technology.
Example
The software requires a valid license to operate.

license Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for license

Antonyms for license

Idioms Using license

give someone license to do something
to give someone permission or freedom to do something
Example
His parents gave him license to travel abroad after he graduated from college.
take out a license on something
to obtain a legal right to use or own something
Example
The company decided to take out a license on the new technology.
license to print money
a business or investment that generates a lot of profit with little effort or risk
Example
Investing in real estate can be like having a license to print money if you do it right.

Phrases with license

marriage license
a legal document that authorizes a couple to get married
Example
They went to the courthouse to apply for a marriage license.
driver's license
a legal document that authorizes a person to drive a vehicle
Example
You need a driver's license to operate a car in this state.
liquor license
a legal document that authorizes a person or business to sell alcoholic beverages
Example
The restaurant lost its liquor license due to repeated violations.

Origins of license

from Old French 'licence', meaning 'freedom'

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Summary: license in Brief

The term 'license' [ˈlaɪsns] refers to a permit or legal right to own, use, or do something, such as a driver's license or a liquor license. It can also refer to the legal right to use patented or copyrighted material. Phrases like 'marriage license' and 'driver's license' are common, while idioms like 'give someone license to do something' denote permission or freedom, and 'license to print money' imply a profitable business or investment.