What does licence mean?
Licence is chiefly a British term for formal permission to do something, especially permission granted by a government, employer, or other authority. As a noun, it can refer to the permission itself or to the official document recording it, as in a driving licence. It may also be used as a formal verb, meaning to authorize someone’s activity. In ordinary conversation, “permission” is usually more neutral, while “licence” often suggests a regulated, legal, or institutional context. The word’s history adds an interesting tension: its Latin ancestor could mean both permission and freedom from restraint, including reckless or excessive freedom, a sense preserved in “licentious.” British English uses licence, whereas American English generally uses license for both noun and verb. Learning the British spelling also clarifies an important contrast in international spelling and legal documents, where choosing the correct form matters.
Formal permission to do something, especially permission granted by an authority; also an official document recording such permission.
"You need a licence to drive the vehicle on public roads."
The sense of an official document is especially common in regulatory, professional, commercial, and broadcasting contexts.
To authorize or grant formal permission to someone.
"The restaurant licensed a local musician to perform on Friday evenings."
This use is chiefly British and has a formal or administrative tone.
The regular plural of the noun is licences, with an added s and no change to the spelling of licence.
"The company holds licences for its premises and patented products."
Licence descends from a Latin word that could mean permission, but also freedom used recklessly—a contrast preserved in the English word licentious.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does licence come from?
Licence entered English through Middle English from Old French licence, ultimately deriving from Latin licentia, meaning permission or freedom. Latin licentia was derived from licere, “to be allowed” or “to be permitted,” and could also refer to conduct that was unrestrained or excessive. The same root underlies licentious, while licensure and licentiate reflect the older sense of being authorized or licensed.
Related word forms
How licence is actually used
The noun often has a formal, legal, or institutional tone, although it is also used in general contexts such as entertainment and broadcasting. The verb is less common and tends to sound formal or administrative.
Easily confused with licence
Licence is the standard British spelling, while license is the standard American spelling for both the noun and the verb.