license

The word “license” means to give official permission or authorization to do something. In plain terms, to officially authorize something, or to pay for the right to use someone else's work.

“License” is pronounced LEYE-suhns (/ˈlaɪ.səns/ in IPA).

Here is “license” used in a sentence: “The city licenses food trucks to operate on public streets.”

“License” is a verb.

The word “license” comes from Medieval Latin. From Middle English licencen, from Old French licencier, from Medieval Latin licentio.

“License” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“License” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to give official permission or authorization to do something.

In American English, "license" covers both the verb and the noun. In British English, "license" is the verb and "licence" is the noun — so an authority licenses a driver, who then holds a licence. The meaning is identical; only the spelling splits by part of speech, and only in British usage.

To license something is to grant official permission for it — allowing a person or company to legally do, use, sell, or produce something. A council might license a venue to sell alcohol, or a studio might license its characters to a toy maker in return for fees.

Yes. Licensing lets the owner of a brand, product, patent, or creative work grant others the right to use it under agreed terms and payment. The owner keeps ownership while the licensee gains permission. It is common with software, music, franchises, and merchandise, and is often a major source of income.

A common British tip borrows from "advise" and "advice": the spelling with an "s" is the verb (advise, license) and the one with a "c" is the noun (advice, licence). Since an "s" word does the action, "license" is the doing word. American English simply uses "license" for both.