authorization

noun

au·​tho·​ri·​za·​tion ˌȯ-th(ə-)rə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce authorization (audio)
1
: the act of authorizing
2
: an instrument that authorizes : sanction

Examples of authorization in a Sentence

you will need the authorization of the council before you can act his authorization to go ahead with the project was finally given
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.
The wastewater testing program would need authorization from the legislature. Vivian Jones, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 To do so, however, requires authorization by the federal government. Chris Sims, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025 That was after Trevor’s mom had jumped through hoops to fill out the forms, seek a special exemption and get proper authorization from the insurer, just as Anthem representatives had told her. Jeff Suess, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 Meanwhile, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has been more reserved, declining to commit to measures requiring Trump to seek congressional authorization first. Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for authorization

Word History

Etymology

Middle English auctorisation "legal validation of a document," borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French auctorisacion "authorization," borrowed from Medieval Latin auctōrizātiōn-, auctōrizātiō "recognition as authoritative, authorization," from auctōrizāre "to authorize" + Latin -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Authorization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/authorization. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on authorization

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!