licensed
adj. · v.-
1 having official permission (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediate Lawhaving a legal document or official permission to do a specific job or activity.
having been issued a formal licence by a governing or regulatory authority to perform a specific function.
ExampleYou must be a licensed driver to operate a vehicle on public roads.
ExampleThe state requires all licensed electricians to complete a safety course every two years to maintain their professional standing.
UsageUsually placed before the noun it modifies.
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2 permitted to sell alcohol (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediate British Englishdescribing a place, like a restaurant or shop, that has permission to sell alcohol.
authorized by law to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on or off the premises.
ExampleWe looked for a licensed restaurant so we could have a glass of wine with dinner.
ExampleThe hotel bar is a fully licensed premises, allowing guests to enjoy spirits in the lounge until midnight.
Teacher's tipIn British English, a 'licensed grocer' or 'licensed premises' specifically refers to the legal right to sell alcohol.
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3 gave official permission (v.) B2 Upper Intermediatethe past tense of 'license', meaning to give someone official permission.
the past tense and past participle of the transitive verb 'license', meaning to grant a formal permit.
ExampleThe government licensed the new radio station to broadcast across the city.
ExampleThe software company licensed its proprietary encryption technology to several smaller firms for a significant annual fee.
UsageThis is the past tense form; in American English, both the noun and verb are often spelled with an 's', while British English uses 'c' for the noun and 's' for the verb.
PitfallThe city licence the new taxi company.The city licensed the new taxi company.Use the '-ed' ending for the past tense action of giving a permit.