permission

noun

per·​mis·​sion pər-ˈmi-shən How to pronounce permission (audio)
Synonyms of permissionnext
1
: the act of permitting
2
: formal consent : authorization

Synonyms

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Examples of permission in a Sentence

They got permission from the city to build an apartment complex. The teacher gave me her permission to go home early.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Defensive end Trey Hendrickson, meanwhile, is the team’s only great pass rusher on an already-iffy defense, and he’s actually been given permission to find a trade partner as he won’t be kept around long term. — Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 13 Mar. 2025 Two days after the crash, the owner of the Nissan Altima — Rodger’s aunt — told police that Rodgers had taken the car without permission and was driving it at the time of the crash. — Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2025 Even minor changes, like mounting shelves or hanging artwork, may require permission and must often be reversed upon moving out. — True Tamplin, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025 The New York Court of Appeals, the state’s highest court, declined to grant permission to appeal, blocking further appeals. — Graham Rayman, New York Daily News, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for permission

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin permission-, permissio, from permittere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of permission was in the 15th century

Rhymes for permission

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Browse Nearby Words

permission
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Cite this Entry

“Permission.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/permission. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

permission

noun
per·​mis·​sion pər-ˈmish-ən How to pronounce permission (audio)
1
: the act of permitting
2
: the consent of a person in authority
has permission to leave

More from Merriam-Webster on permission

Nglish: Translation of permission for Spanish Speakers

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