Licence
noun
A document that shows you have special permission to do something.
I got my driving licence last week.
Often appears as...
- driving licence
- licencing agreement
noun
Freedom to behave as one wishes, especially in a way which results in excessive or unacceptable behaviour.
Some people see freedom of speech as a licence to express offensive views.
Often appears as...
- licence to kill
- artistic licence
Usage tips
Disapproving
noun
An official permit to own or use something, do a particular thing, or carry on a trade.
Many states require a licence to carry a handgun.
Often appears as...
- fishing licence
- business licence
noun
The action of giving someone the permission or freedom to do something.
The company has been given a licence to carry out tests in the area.
Often appears as...
- licence renewal
- television licence
noun
A document that shows you have special permission to do something.
I got my driving licence last week.
Often appears as...
- driving licence
- licencing agreement
noun
Freedom to behave as one wishes, especially in a way which results in excessive or unacceptable behaviour.
Some people see freedom of speech as a licence to express offensive views.
Often appears as...
- licence to kill
- artistic licence
Usage tips
Disapproving
noun
An official permit to own or use something, do a particular thing, or carry on a trade.
Many states require a licence to carry a handgun.
Often appears as...
- fishing licence
- business licence
noun
The action of giving someone the permission or freedom to do something.
The company has been given a licence to carry out tests in the area.
Often appears as...
- licence renewal
- television licence
Definition 1 of 4
Pro Tip 1/3Legally Required
Licences are often mandatory for specific activities, like driving.
You need a driving licence to legally operate a car.
Pro Tip 2/3Specific Terms
Every licence comes with conditions and rules you must follow.
His driving licence has a condition that requires wearing glasses.
Pro Tip 3/3Valid Period
A licence has a set validity period after which it must be renewed.
Her driving licence is valid for ten years.
Pro Tip 1/3Legally Required
Licences are often mandatory for specific activities, like driving.
You need a driving licence to legally operate a car.
Pro Tip 2/3Specific Terms
Every licence comes with conditions and rules you must follow.
His driving licence has a condition that requires wearing glasses.
Pro Tip 3/3Valid Period
A licence has a set validity period after which it must be renewed.
Her driving licence is valid for ten years.
Pro Tip 1/3Legally Required
Licences are often mandatory for specific activities, like driving.
You need a driving licence to legally operate a car.
Pro Tip 2/3Specific Terms
Every licence comes with conditions and rules you must follow.
His driving licence has a condition that requires wearing glasses.
Pro Tip 3/3Valid Period
A licence has a set validity period after which it must be renewed.
Her driving licence is valid for ten years.
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Video examples
Growing Up in the...
My mother had a little vegetable garden that she used to be at constant war with the wildlife. You know, fight off the porcupines that were trying to eat her tomatoes, or whatever she was trying to grow. But essentially, we sort of lived off the land. My dad got a POT licence that he used to have
Video examples
Nicola Sturgeon: How...
to get approval for development. And my argument is just if a company was now applying for a new licence, there would have to be a climate compatibility check. Now, arguably that's not robust enough, but the same thing should happen
Video examples
Meet global corruption's...
but it proved what we had long suspected because it showed how the state's chief minister despite his later denials use his control over land and forest licences to enrich himself and his
Video examples
Zimbabwe Safari Guides...
guides licence after one more year who knows if you go on safari in Zimbabwe it could be your life in their hand
Video examples
Growing Up in the...
My mother had a little vegetable garden that she used to be at constant war with the wildlife. You know, fight off the porcupines that were trying to eat her tomatoes, or whatever she was trying to grow. But essentially, we sort of lived off the land. My dad got a POT licence that he used to have
Video examples
Nicola Sturgeon: How...
to get approval for development. And my argument is just if a company was now applying for a new licence, there would have to be a climate compatibility check. Now, arguably that's not robust enough, but the same thing should happen
Video examples
Meet global corruption's...
but it proved what we had long suspected because it showed how the state's chief minister despite his later denials use his control over land and forest licences to enrich himself and his
Video examples
Zimbabwe Safari Guides...
guides licence after one more year who knows if you go on safari in Zimbabwe it could be your life in their hand
Example 1 of 4
Quote examples
Nick Park
British Director
I have to admit to not being the greatest technician, but stop motion animation gives me licence to create machines that wouldn't otherwise be possible - inventions that seem real and actually work.
Quote examples
Emun Elliott
Scottish Actor
At school, I was a shy lad and still am. But acting gives me licence to be up there, demanding the focus. It's the one time in my life where I don't have to shout to be heard.
Quote examples
Gavyn Davies
British Businessman
It was an interesting question as to whether the BBC had a future in the digital world, and what form of market failure could justify the licence fee system.
Quote examples
Ant McPartlin
English Celebrity
Obviously, the BBC is funded by licence-payers. If you are paying for a TV licence, when you see what people are paid, then you know you're funding that.
Quote examples
Ferran Adria
Spanish Chef
I have a driver's licence, but the truth is that I hardly ever drive. I prefer to get around by taxi.
Quote examples
Mitchell Baker
American Businesswoman
The name Firefox is not part of the open source licence, and that's why it's important to us.
Quote examples
Mickey Rooney
American Actor
I'm the only man in the world with a marriage licence made out to whom it may concern.
Quote examples
Ainsley Harriott
English Chef
Shouting on TV feels like it almost gives viewers licence to do it in real life.
Quote examples
Noel Edmonds
English Producer
I don't have a TV licence. I don't watch except on catch-up.
Quote examples
Roy Thomson
Canadian Publisher
Like having your own licence to print money.
Quote examples
Nick Park
British Director
I have to admit to not being the greatest technician, but stop motion animation gives me licence to create machines that wouldn't otherwise be possible - inventions that seem real and actually work.
Quote examples
Emun Elliott
Scottish Actor
At school, I was a shy lad and still am. But acting gives me licence to be up there, demanding the focus. It's the one time in my life where I don't have to shout to be heard.
Quote examples
Gavyn Davies
British Businessman
It was an interesting question as to whether the BBC had a future in the digital world, and what form of market failure could justify the licence fee system.
Quote examples
Ant McPartlin
English Celebrity
Obviously, the BBC is funded by licence-payers. If you are paying for a TV licence, when you see what people are paid, then you know you're funding that.
Quote examples
Ferran Adria
Spanish Chef
I have a driver's licence, but the truth is that I hardly ever drive. I prefer to get around by taxi.
Quote examples
Mitchell Baker
American Businesswoman
The name Firefox is not part of the open source licence, and that's why it's important to us.
Quote examples
Mickey Rooney
American Actor
I'm the only man in the world with a marriage licence made out to whom it may concern.
Quote examples
Ainsley Harriott
English Chef
Shouting on TV feels like it almost gives viewers licence to do it in real life.
Quote examples
Noel Edmonds
English Producer
I don't have a TV licence. I don't watch except on catch-up.
Quote examples
Roy Thomson
Canadian Publisher
Like having your own licence to print money.
Example 1 of 10
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