What does "licensing" mean?

1. (official permission) the act of giving or getting official permission to do something. 2. (intellectual property) allowing another person or company to use your work, like music or software, for a fee.

How do you use "licensing"?

Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the general process. Commonly used in business contexts regarding software, music, and patents.

licensing

US //ˈɫaɪsənsɪŋ// UK //lˈaɪsənsɪŋ// li·cens·ing

1 official permission (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Formal Law

the act of giving or getting official permission to do something.

the formal granting of a license or legal authority to perform a specific action or operate a business.

Example

The licensing of new drivers is handled by a government office.

Example

The strict licensing of pharmaceutical exports ensures that all distributed medications meet international safety standards.

Usage

Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the general process.
- prohibition
- ban
2 intellectual property (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Law

allowing another person or company to use your work, like music or software, for a fee.

the granting of rights to use intellectual property under specific contractual terms.

Example

The band made more money from song licensing than from selling albums.

Example

The software company revised its licensing agreement to include a subscription-based model for corporate clients.

Usage

Commonly used in business contexts regarding software, music, and patents.
- franchising
- copyrighting

Last updated June 20, 2026