- 1[countable] an official document that shows that permission has been given to do, own, or use something a driver's license license (for something) a license for the software Is there a license fee? James lost his license for six months (= had his license taken away by the police as a punishment). license (to do something) You need a license to fish in this river. a license holder (= a person who has been given a license) a site license for the new software
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- 2[uncountable, singular] license (to do something) (formal) freedom to do or say whatever you want, often something bad or unacceptable Lack of punishment seems to give youngsters license to break the law.
- 3[uncountable] (formal) freedom to behave in a way that is considered sexually immoral Idioms
the freedom of artists or writers to change facts in order to make a story, painting, etc. more interesting or beautiful
used to describe a business which makes a lot of money with little effort
(of a product) made with the permission of a company or an organization
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