permission

noun

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

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.
Officers attempted to use spike strips to end the pursuit before asking for permission to use a PIT maneuver. Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 19 June 2026 The justices could offer more guidance in a pending decision about a Hawaii law that requires gun owners to get permission before bringing a firearm into a store or other private property that’s open to the public. Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 18 June 2026 Over time, teams stop making decisions and start waiting for permission. Nick Chandi, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026 The memorandum also says all licenses, waivers and permissions needed for related financial transactions would be granted by the United States. Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Permission.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/permission. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

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

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