Is it 'driver's license' or 'driving licence'?

In American English, 'driver's license' is standard. In British English, 'driving licence' is the correct term.

What's the difference between 'licence' and 'permit'?

They are often interchangeable, but 'licence' often implies a formal document for a specific, regulated activity (driving, broadcasting), while 'permit' can be a broader or more temporary authorisation (work permit, parking permit).

Can 'licence' ever be a verb in British English?

No, in British English, the verb is always spelled 'license'. 'Licence' is strictly a noun.

What does 'poetic licence' mean?

It refers to the freedom artists, especially writers, take to deviate from standard facts, rules, or conventions for creative effect.

How do you pronounce “licence”?

Licence: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlaɪ.səns/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlaɪ.səns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

licence: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

UK/ˈlaɪ.səns/US/ˈlaɪ.səns/

Formal (legal, official contexts); Informal (when referring to freedom to act).

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “licence” mean?

An official permission or legal permit to own, use, or do something that would otherwise be prohibited.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

An official permission or legal permit to own, use, or do something that would otherwise be prohibited.

Freedom to act or behave without strict control or restraint; often implying the use of such freedom in an excessive or questionable manner.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

British English predominantly uses 'licence' for the noun and 'license' for the verb. American English uses 'license' for both noun and verb.

Connotations

Both varieties share core meanings. The phrase 'a licence to print money' is more common in UK English.

Frequency

The noun form 'licence' is very frequent in UK administrative/legal texts. In American texts, the spelling 'license' for both noun and verb is ubiquitous.

Grammar

How to Use “licence” in a Sentence

to have a licence to do somethingto hold a licence for somethingto issue/grant a licence to somebodyto do something under licence from somebodyto apply for a licence

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

driving licencelicence feelicence holderlicence agreementoperating licenceTV licencefull licence

medium

apply for a licencegrant a licencerenew a licencesuspend a licencelicence platelicence number

weak

marriage licenceexport licencelicence to sell alcoholunder licence fromlicence check

Examples

Examples of “licence” in a Sentence

verb

British English

The council will license the new restaurant to sell alcohol.
She is licensed to practice law in England and Wales.

American English

The state will license the new daycare center.
He is licensed to carry a concealed weapon.

adverb

British English

(No standard adverbial form; used in compounds like 'licence-checked').

American English

(No standard adverbial form; used in compounds like 'license-verified').

adjective

British English

The licence holder must present the document on request.
He faced charges for driving without licence plates.

American English

Please ensure you have your license document ready.
The license fee must be paid annually.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Referring to legal permissions required to operate, sell products (e.g., software licence), or conduct specific activities.

Academic

Used in discussions of law, media regulation, or ethics (e.g., 'journalistic licence').

Everyday

Most commonly associated with driving documents or permissions like a TV licence.

Technical

In computing (software licence), broadcasting (broadcasting licence), or engineering (professional engineer's licence).

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “licence”

Strong

permit (in legal contexts)

Neutral

permitauthorisationcertificate warrant

Weak

freedom liberty carte blanche dispensation

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “licence”

prohibition ban restriction veto

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “licence”

Using 'license' as the noun in formal British English writing. Confusing 'licence' with 'certificate' (e.g., a birth certificate). Misspelling as 'liscence'.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: In American English, 'driver's license' is standard. In British English, 'driving licence' is the correct term.
: They are often interchangeable, but 'licence' often implies a formal document for a specific, regulated activity (driving, broadcasting), while 'permit' can be a broader or more temporary authorisation (work permit, parking permit).
: No, in British English, the verb is always spelled 'license'. 'Licence' is strictly a noun.
: It refers to the freedom artists, especially writers, take to deviate from standard facts, rules, or conventions for creative effect.
: An official permission or legal permit to own, use, or do something that would otherwise be prohibited.
: Licence is usually formal (legal, official contexts); informal (when referring to freedom to act). in register.
: Licence: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlaɪ.səns/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlaɪ.səns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“poetic licence”
“a licence to print money”
“licence to kill”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think 'ICE' in the middle: In Britain, the Noun has a 'C' (licenCe), and the Verb has an 'S' (licenSe). Or remember: 'I need a CertifiCate (noun) to uSe (verb) the car.'

Conceptual Metaphor

PERMISSION IS A KEY (a licence unlocks restricted activities); FREEDOM IS A PERMIT (licence as a document granting metaphorical space to act).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

Before opening the pub, they had to obtain a to sell alcohol from the local authority.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence uses the British English spelling for the noun correctly?