Licence spelling This post, Licence or License – Definitions, Correct Usage with Examples, focuses on explaining these words with their definition and their correct usage. In American English, 'license' serves a What is a Licence vs License? In the United States, the noun “license” is the preferred spelling, while in the rest of the English-speaking world, “licence” is more common. In the United States, license is both a noun and a verb. Jun 25, 2025 · VERB Whether the audience is UK or American English, the same spelling will apply. This may be a result of differences in spelling between similar words in other languages or inconsistencies in pronunciation. While in the United States, English writing convention, in both cases, either noun or verb, the spelling will be the same, and Oct 3, 2016 · And they distinguish the noun and verb forms of some words (practice/practise and licence/license, for instance) whose two forms would be spelled identically in American English. License is the permission granted by competent authority to engage in a business or activity. Check which one to use! "Liscence" is incorrect spelling, the correct spelling is "licence", referring to a formal permission or authorization. ” In this article, we aim to provide a thorough guide on the proper spelling of this word. In terms of actual appearance and usage, here's a breakdown by country, with usage level out of 100 (if available) 👇: Jun 29, 2017 · Word Choice: Licence vs. Both refer to an authorized certificate that permits one to do something. A LITTLE TRICK TO SPOT LICENCE Try using the word card (or papers) instead of licence. "Licensing sessions" were the meetings of magistrates which decided about giving licences to sell alcohol. (Photo: Cory Doctorow/flickr) Over here, though, we care enough to distinguish between nouns and verbs, so make sure LICENCE vs LICENSE: they sound the same but their meanings are different. Grammar Tips & Articles » license - correct spelling This Grammar. This one might need renewing, mind. To me, licencee doesn't feel quite right, but does anyone have any examples or evidence to swing it either way? I guess it depends on whether the licencee/licensee is defined as the person who owns the licence 6 meanings: 1. Driver’s License stirred a discussion about the spellings licence and license. If you spell it licence instead of license, then you’ll be driving on the left side of the road because the “c” ending is British. Oct 3, 2016 · And they distinguish the noun and verb forms of some words (practice/practise and licence/license, for instance) whose two forms would be spelled identically in American English. meanings, etymology, pronunciation and more in the Oxford English Dictionary (Commonwealth English) Another spelling of license, usually thought to be wrong. " License refers to a permit or official approval. How do I get a new photo on my driver license/ID card? To get a new photo on your driver license/ID card, you must visit a driver license office and order a duplicate for $11. LICENSE definition: 1. ” In British English, licence is used for the noun, meaning a permit, while license is used as the verb, meaning to grant permission. Apr 21, 2020 · In American English, license is the only way to spell the word — whether it’s a noun or a verb. Jul 13, 2017 · All spellings and definitions, including " " are based on , which means you can browse our website with confidence! that lead to this page: how to spell licence, correct spelling of licence, how is licence spelled, spell check licence, how do you spell licence. licensed premises, but the noun is always licence. Both spellings are correct in English, however, they can have slightly different meanings depending on the context or country we are in 🙂 In British English, both forms exist but as different parts of speech. license, v. The spelling licence is for the noun and license for the verb The License Plate Name Generator is a fun and creative tool designed to help users craft personalized license plate combinations that reflect their unique personalities, interests, or messages. Plus, you’ll learn how to use it in a sentence correctly. You need to have a licence to own certain pets. LicenseAuthority or liberty given to do or forbear any act; especially, a formal permission from the proper authorities to perform certain acts or to carry on a certain business, which without such permission would be illegal; a grant of permission; as, a license to preach, to practice medicine, to sell gunpowder or intoxicating liquors. License Spelling is tricky enough without words like ‘licence’ and ‘license’. Dec 17, 2020 · License is both a noun and a verb in the United States. Usage Licenses is predominantly used in 🇺🇸 American (US) English (en-US) while licences is predominantly used in 🇬🇧 British English (used in UK/AU/NZ) (en-GB). You need a licence to drive a car. Don’t feel like skimming? The quick answer is that it’s spelled ‘license. Find out how to use them as nouns and verbs in British, American, Canadian and Australian English. Jan 24, 2024 · Correct Spelling and Regional Variations The choice between “Licence” and “License” hinges on whether you are using British or American English and the context of the word (noun or verb). licence - definition of licence in A Dictionary of South African English. In the UK, "licence" is the correct spelling for the noun form and "license" is the correct spelling of the verb form. Driver's license or 'driving license? Learn the difference between these expressions for smooth communication! Lisence is an incorrect spelling. If you were born in the U. You might have a fishing Aug 27, 2014 · A reader questions the use of the possessive in such constructions as “doctor’s appointment” and “driver’s license”: If I take out my state-granted proof of authority to drive an automobile in Oklahoma, the title on that wallet-sized document is “Driver License,” not “Driver’s License. License is always used for both noun and verb forms in American English, while licence is used for nouns and license for verbs in British English. Understanding the distinctions between them can help prevent errors in both writing and conversation. If you can legally drive in the US, for example, you’ll be a ‘licensed driver’ and have a ‘driver license’. LICENSE meaning: 1. g. Discover differences, examples, alternatives and tips for choosing the right phrase. -and- Restricted License Plate Configurations—The following configurations are deleted from the regular series license plate configuration and are not available for personalized license plates: ABM ANO APE ARS ASB ASS BAD BAG BED LICENCE PLATE definition: a sign on a road vehicle that shows its registration number. ” “License” or “Licence” Language License and licence are both English terms. ” I hear a lot of people say that they have a “doctor’s appointment,” when, in Jun 1, 2024 · The difference between 'licence' and 'license' lies primarily in regional spelling conventions. "Lisence" is a misspelling of the word. Licence or Liscence are two words that are confused and usually misspelled due to their similarity. While license (with an “s”) is the only correct spelling in the United States, licence is used in other English-speaking countries. Mar 9, 2025 · In American English, the correct spelling is license for both the noun and verb forms, such as in “ drivers license ” or “licensed to drive. Whether we like it or not, much of our language is now heavily influenced by US English spellings. licenses, licensing, licensed) I’m prone to occasional outbursts about spelling and grammar and recently was asked to provide the Intelogy team with some guidance on correct spelling: is it LICENSE or LICENCE? Practice English or Spanish with AI here Driver’s License is always the correct spelling to indicate official identification and clearance for operating a vehicle in the United States. Definition of license noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. In the United States, License with “s” before the “e” is chosen to be the correct pattern of spelling. or Territories I'd present a certified copy of the birth certificate. In other places where English is spoken you’re more likely to get your “driving licence,” with only c ’s for the /s/ sounds. The Licence vs. In terms of actual appearance and usage, here's a breakdown by country, with usage level out of 100 (if available) 👇: Mar 19, 2021 · License and licence are often confused because they are the same word spelled differently. LICENSE 意味, 定義, LICENSE は何か: 1. License Nov 1, 2025 · license (countable and uncountable, plural licenses) (American spelling) A legal document giving official permission to do something; a permit. "License" is a verb and "licence" is a noun. Learn more. A good place to check the usage of the word licence, is to visit the site for VicRoads. Mar 20, 2024 · The incorrect spelling is "Lisence" while the correct is "License. This distinction can be a stumbling block even for experienced writers. ” But you might also have seen the word “licence” used in places like the UK and Australia. license—it’s a common area of confusion, but we hope the guidance in this article has helped you learn which one to use. Sep 29, 2025 · licence (countable and uncountable, plural licences) UK, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Ireland, New Zealand, Malaysia, and Singapore standard spelling of license. Definition of licence noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. License Licence is a document to perform any activity legally. Remember that the spelling of 'License' is used in American English, whereas 'Licence' is used in British English. Nov 15, 2016 · I know that here in the UK we make a distinction between licence (noun) and license (verb). license? Is it just a spelling mistake or are they variants of the same word? Let’s get straight to the point: In British English (and other non-American English dialects), use licence as a noun and license as a verb. In American English, "license" is the preferred spelling… LICENCE definition: 1. In the UK, 'license' is a verb, but 'licence' is the noun. Remember, in UK English, the spelling license and license are both acceptable spelling variations. Driving licence or license? - Australian spelling The words licence and license are regularly used incorrectly in Australia. </a></i>. Find out the meaning, usage and examples of both spellings and other variations. Definition of license verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. When you Learn the translation for ‘license’ in LEO’s ­English ⇔ German­ dictionary. [1] A license is granted by a party (licensor) to another party (licensee) as an element of an agreement License vs Licence – Driving Through English Standards Navigating the complexities of the English language can often feel like a journey filled with twists and turns, especially when it comes to the use of similar terms that differ in spelling based on regional variations. In the phrase "licensed premises" (as in, licensed to sell alcohol) which is the correct spelling? I'd opt for licensed since that is the past participle of the *verb* license, and the adjective is formed from this. ” Oct 3, 2019 · What are the differences between practise and practice, license and licence, advise and advice? When certain words are spelt with ‘s’ rather than ‘c’, they change from a verb to a noun Definition of license noun in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. r. In American English we don’t use the spelling licence – it simply doesn’t exist in this language. However, 'license' functions as both a noun and a verb in the American spelling, whereas, 'licence' is a noun and 'license' is a verb in British English. ' Apr 13, 2025 · Understanding the correct spelling and use of certain English words can sometimes be tricky. Nov 2, 2012 · In Britain, the spelling licence is much more common than license, but the more common spelling is only about 13 times more common, so license is a small minority but not unknown spelling. Click for more definitions. in reference to various types of licenses or a collection of licenses. In more general, commonly used, contexts, the plural form will also be license. The noun license can be countable or uncountable. a certificate, tag, document, etc, giving official permission to do something 2. ” But which dictionary? The most common choice is probably Canadian Oxford, but different organizations can have their own references, like the Canadian Press Stylebook or the Government of Canada’s terminology and linguistic databank, TERMIUMPlus. Apr 6, 2025 · The difference lies in the spelling: “license” is the American English version, while “licence” is used in British English. Also, Canada starts with a C, and we use licence, which also has a C Bonus tip: same goes for practice and practise. In English as it’s used in the US, you get your driver’s license: the first /s/ sound is spelled with c, the second with s, which means it’s alphabetical. We’re not aware of any location where one gets a lisence. See also licensee in the OED and Merriam-Webster. Licence definition: (UK, Canada, Australia) Standard spelling of <i><a>license. The Shared Roots of License and Licentious Synonym Discussion of License. "Licence" is an incorrect spelling, while "license" is the correct one. ” So, for the sake of this discussion […] A writing tip on the spellings licence and license. to grant or give a licence for (something, such as the sale of alcohol) 2. BrE vs AmE. US English, however, simplifies by using one Aug 9, 2018 · Users of English confuse many words many times; Licence and License are no exceptions. Furthermore, license refers to both as a verb and noun in the United States. This issue of "license" vs "licence" has come up a lot recently. If the Licence and license sound identical but they are used differently. We use both forms in British English – one is a verb (doing word) and the other a noun (thing). to give permission to or for. Curious one this - I'm well aware of the licence=noun and license=verb distinction in British English, but I'm not sure how that then extends to the person in possession of the licence. One such area of confusion arises with the words “licence and license. Dec 22, 2023 · Have you ever stopped mid-sentence to wonder – how do you spell driver’s licence? Well, if you want to learn more about how to use the possessive form of “driver license,” keep reading! Mar 30, 2024 · Learn the correct usage of "driving license" and "driver‘s license" in English. Oct 19, 2020 · Licence vs. Mar 9, 2025 · Learn how to use license and licence correctly depending on whether you are speaking American or British English. The answer is quite simple - both spellings are correct, but they have different meanings depending on where you are located in the world. The terms "license" and "licence" are often confused, but they are used differently depending on the country and whether they are functioning as a noun or a verb. Below, we’ve outlined the definition and given some usage The meaning of LICENSE is permission to act. ' Jan 5, 2023 · In British English, we use different spellings for the nouns “practice” and “licence” and their verb forms “practise” and “license”. ” While these terms seem similar, their meanings and spellings differ depending on the variant of English being used. How do you spell license is one of the most frequently asked questions about a word in the English Language. License is both Mar 28, 2024 · Common Misconceptions and Variations in Spelling Although the majority of American English speakers understand “driver’s license” as the correct form, there are numerous instances of apostrophe misuse and spelling variations. A licence is a certificate or document from an official body which gives you permission to do something. But in the UK, there’s a key “License” is an American English spelling, while “licence” is a British English one. But is "licenced" actually wrong or is it an acceptable alternative spelling? Am I Jul 24, 2018 · Who Decides Which Spelling Is Canadian? The short answer is “the dictionary. Which one is correct, and in what context do we use it? Aug 24, 2024 · Learn the difference between license and licence based on region and usage. License is the act of giving permission. For example, a British company might say, “We have a licence to sell alcohol,” but “We are licensed to sell Mar 27, 2020 · Word Choice: License vs. It is a noun and also a verb. But in British English, the noun is spelled licence. “Licenses” or “Licences” Language Licenses and licences are both English terms. Check which one to use! Licence or Liscence are two words that are confused and usually misspelled due to their similarity. Are you licensed to use this machine? Do you have a license acclaiming you to use this machine? Are the above sentences right? Do you think that one of the sentence should have license with different spellings? Well, yes and no! The difference between the two spellings of license is very similar to practice and practise that once you've learned the difference for one, you instantly know it for Dec 5, 2022 · Did you get your driver’s ‘licence’ or ‘license’? Wondering which is the correct spelling? We can clear that up. Mar 21, 2024 · "Liscence" is an incorrect spelling. These simple spelling tips will help you remember the difference. The correct spelling in Australia is driving licence or driver licence. Licence In American English, we always spell “license” with an “s. ) A LITTLE TRICK TO SPOT LICENSE Try using the verb to allow (in its various forms, e. Mar 21, 2024 · "Licence" is the British spelling, while "license" is the correct American spelling for both noun and verb referring to authorization or freedom. One of the most frequent spelling mistakes is the word “license/lisence. an official document that gives you permission to own, do, or use something, usually after you…. In this case, it is a matter of usage. History and development of the term licence with example sentences. synonyms Synonyms: (UK and Australia) number plate, registration plate Is a phonetic spelling or mirror image of a word or term falling into the categories described above. Learn the difference between licence and license based on regional language conventions and grammatical context. Though they might appear to be typographical variants of each Introduction: English often poses challenges with its subtle variations. quotations Aug 15, 2016 · But for now, in Canada, use licence as a noun and license as a verb. ' This was different from the UK and the rest of the world teaser campaigns that used the British spelling 'Licence' - with a 'c. Jul 31, 2023 · It’s common for English language learners to face difficulties with spelling specific words. Mar 29, 2025 · Like The Spellings Of Licence And Favour For Instance NYTimes Mini Crossword Puzzle Clue Answer. t. However, how long has the mistake been present on your license that you did not notice? Furthermore, what document/s did you provide to DMV to obtain your license? You will need to submit a valid name change document for the correct. Learn how to use licence and license correctly in British and American English. formal permission or exemption. Learn more in the Cambridge English-Spanish Having difficulty spelling license? Check out Ginger's spelling book and learn how to spell license correctly, its definition and how to use it in a sentence! License or Lisence are two words that are confused and usually misspelled due to their similarity. You'll probably be best served by checking out various well-regarded dictionaries and see what they say, w. Both refer to the permission granted to do something. Sep 1, 2022 · Learn when to use licence or license as a noun or a verb in British and American English. Licence Sometimes we think the Americans are messing with English just to confuse the rest of us. US spelling of licence 2. Both are correct, but there is a distinction between the two words. Learn how to spell and use "licence" and "license" correctly depending on whether you follow UK or US conventions. Sep 8, 2014 · My recent post on Driver License vs. You might hold a driver’s licence. In American English, the noun is spelled the same as the verb—license. They sound rather similar although they have different spellings. Dec 22, 2023 · Have you ever stopped mid-sentence to wonder – how do you spell driver’s licence? Well, if you want to learn more about how to use the possessive form of “driver license,” keep reading! Aug 3, 2017 · Word Choice: License vs. もっと見る. May 19, 2016 · In the UK, the noun is “licence”: “here is my driving licence. Aug 15, 2025 · Licence Vs License: Definition and Examples Licence Vs License: One problem that has always bothered many English speakers around the world is the matter of licence vs license. A licence is a permit to do something. If you live in any other English-speaking country, you will spell it licence when you use it as a noun and license when you use it as a verb. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. With noun/verb tables for the different cases and tenses audio pronunciation and relevant forum discussions free vocabulary trainer Correcting your name at DMV is a simple process. Check which one to use! Oct 3, 2019 · What are the differences between practise and practice, license and licence, advise and advice? When certain words are spelt with ‘s’ rather than ‘c’, they change from a verb to a noun The noun license can be countable or uncountable. Discover when to use each spelling for accurate writing. For example, you need a driver’s license to operate Mar 1, 2024 · License or licence - which is correct? This is a common question that English language learners often ask. Learn about different types, correct spelling, and proper usage in sentences and legal contexts. Is “Driver’s License” And “Driving License” Used Differently In American English And British English? License or Licence - Exercises and Quiz These exercises focus on US and UK spelling. Both forms are correct. ’ Any other spelling of the word is incorrect and ungrammatical. +1 Isn't the spelling of the verb always license? I thought it was only the noun that changed spelling (licence in BrE and license in AmE). So why on earth are they separate words? And what exactly is the difference? If you’re in the USA, they’re not and there isn’t one (more on that later). The seemingly minor spelling variation between "licence" and "license" often trips up writers, particularly those creating content for international audiences. Licensing Basics What is Licensing? Licensing might seem like a straightforward concept, but it’s much more than just granting permission. Licence vs. Licence is a noun in British English, while license is a noun or verb in American English. While the name of this varies slightly between English-speaking countries, in all cases, you would never use “drivers license. In the United Kingdom English writing convention, if we need to refer to this document as a noun, then Licence spelling will be used, but in the case of the verb, it will be spelled as license. Bars and nightclubs need to have a licence to sell alcohol. 5. See examples of LICENSE used in a sentence. 'Licence' is not used at all in the US. A license (noun) is a permission to do something, granted by a government or other authority. License, a noun and verb, refers to the permission granted to do something. . Governments issue driver's licenses to people who are allowed to drive motor vehicles on public roads. But Canadian English has adopted the American standard of spelling words like itemize with a Z—although in Canada they call it a “zed. Meaning and origin of licence with spelling and pronunciation. If you're American, use 'license. So, is this just a variant spelling? Or is there a difference between “license” and “licence”? Learn the difference between the words licence and license in this quick guide. When you "License" is a verb and "licence" is a noun. The verb form should normally be spelt as license. The answers are sorted by their date of appearance and we solved these BRITISH so far. Mar 6, 2024 · A comprehensive guide to understanding the difference between 'license' and 'licence', specifically oriented towards non-native English speakers in India. Jul 13, 2011 · The words licence and license are regularly used incorrectly in Australia. License definition: formal permission from a governmental or other constituted authority to do something, as to carry on some business or profession. These terms are only one letter apart, pronounced identically, and related in meaning. NB The correct spelling for the verb (in Australia) is license, e. Final Thoughts Licence vs. UK English & American English: LICENSE (e. 2 meanings: 1. In terms of actual appearance and usage, here's a breakdown by country, with usage level out of 100 (if available) 👇: Jun 3, 2023 · Uncover the differences between 'Licence' and 'License' in this straightforward lesson! Make learning English simple and fun with these clear examples. S. Jul 1, 2024 · The spelling remains consistent when discussing obtaining a driver’s license or the state’s licensing of new businesses. If the sentence still makes sense, then licence is almost certainly correct. In American English, use license as both a noun and a verb. [AMERICAN] You need a license to fish here. In American English there is no difference in spelling between the verb "to license" meaning to give permission, and the noun "a license" meaning the permission to do something. Apr 22, 2024 · Tip: If you have a spell checker like Grammarly and you set the language to American English, it will flag “licence” as a misspelling. The correct spelling is license. Tricks for mastery Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "License", "Licence". LICENSE translate: ortografía americana de "licence":, licencia, permiso, autorizar, licencia [feminine, singular…. an…. See examples, video summary, and tips for spotting the noun or verb. , allowing, allowed, allows) instead of license. Nov 9, 2020 · License vs Licence License meaning: These two words “License or Licence” are derived from the Latin word “ licentia ‘’ meaning freedom. However, when people live in other English speaking nations, they may spell the word as licence. com article is about license - correct spelling — enjoy your reading! Mar 30, 2024 · Learn the correct usage of "driving license" and "driver‘s license" in English. License is a verb and licence is a noun. However, in more specific contexts, the plural form can also be licenses e. What is a Licence vs License? In the United States, the noun “license” is the preferred spelling, while in the rest of the English-speaking world, “licence” is more common. ” But when it is a verb, the spelling is “license”: “she is licensed to drive a lorry. The right spelling is "Licence," which refers to an official permit or authorization. (This trick works because licence is a noun, just like the words card and papers. A license (American English) or licence (Commonwealth English) is an official permission or permit to do, use, or own something (as well as the document of that permission or permit). Also, the last time the Canadian Oxford Dictionary came out with Get Mnemonic With A Personalized Vanity License Plate as seen in Car and Driver Magazine Apr 26, 2020 · When renamed from 'Revoked' in the USA, the first teaser poster and teaser trailer used the American spelling 'License' - with an 's. In other countries, licence is the noun and license is the verb. How to use license in a sentence. There is license, and only license. American Vs British Usage In Britain, both license and licence are used. One such pair of words is “license” and “licence”. Aug 9, 2023 · In the US, "license" is the only correct spelling and is used for both the noun and verb forms of the word. quotations Is it license or licence? It is always tricky recognising US English spellings and British English spellings with words like these. the spellings of the noun and the verb and w. Jul 14, 2020 · The short version is that Licence is a noun while License is a verb. ” Jul 28, 2020 · Answer: Licence in Australian spelling, license in American spelling. Therefore, you can obtain a license for selling alcohol, or to drive. to give someone official permission to do or have something: 3. Usage License is predominantly used in 🇺🇸 American (US) English (en-US) while licence is predominantly used in 🇬🇧 British English (used in UK/AU/NZ) (en-GB). Let’s look at two spellings: licence and liscence. Think of licensing as a legal agreement that allows you to use someone else’s 3 days ago · license plate (plural license plates) (American spelling) An identifying tag, usually made of metal, bearing a sequence of letters or numbers identifying the vehicle, and placed at the rear and, often, also at the front of a motor vehicle. Remember, English is a language used around the world. The spelling licence is for the noun and license for the verb. May 31, 2025 · Understanding how to spell licensing is crucial for effective communication. An easy way to remember it is that your driver’s licence is a card, and licence and card both contain a C. For example, you need a driver’s license to operate Dec 17, 2020 · License as a Noun: Spelling and Examples But license can also be used as a noun, which is where the different spellings come into play. Update Oct 15, 2014: Here we can see that British use of "license" reached a nadir in the 1950s, but has been on a steady upswing since the 1960s.