noun
Common
clearance
KLEER-ruhns
Clearance (noun) means Official permission to proceed, access something, or travel. Example: “Visitors must get clearance from the front desk before going upstairs.”
noun
1
Official permission to proceed, access something, or travel.
"Visitors must get clearance from the front desk before going upstairs."
"The pilot waited for clearance to take off."
"He needed security clearance to enter the facility."
2
The available gap or distance between two objects, such as a vehicle and a low bridge.
"The truck didn't have enough clearance to pass under the bridge."
3
A sale of goods at reduced prices to clear out stock.
"Everything in the store was 50% off during the clearance sale."
How to use clearance
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishPermission to proceed, the gap needed to pass through something, or a discount sale to clear stock.
Common pairings
security clearance
clearance sale
height clearance
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Word forms
- Plural
- clearances
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Visitors must get _____ from the front desk before going upstairs.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for clearance
See all rhymes for clearance →Frequently asked questions
What does “clearance” mean?
The word “clearance” means official permission to proceed, access something, or travel. In plain terms, permission to proceed, the gap needed to pass through something, or a discount sale to clear stock.
How do you pronounce “clearance”?
“Clearance” is pronounced KLEER-ruhns (/ˈklɪɚ.əns/ in IPA).
How do you use “clearance” in a sentence?
Here is “clearance” used in a sentence: “The pilot waited for clearance to take off.”
What part of speech is “clearance”?
“Clearance” is a noun.
Is “clearance” a common word?
“Clearance” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “clearance” have?
“Clearance” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: official permission to proceed, access something, or travel.
What is the difference between 'clearance' and 'permission'?
Both can mean approval to proceed, but 'clearance' specifically implies official or formal authorisation, often after a check or screening, such as security clearance. 'Permission' is a broader, everyday term that need not involve any formal vetting.
What is a 'clearance sale'?
A clearance sale is a sale of goods at reduced prices to clear out stock, often to make room for new items or to discontinue a line. The word 'clearance' here signals that the retailer wants to sell off remaining inventory quickly.
