clearance

noun

clear·​ance ˈklir-ən(t)s 

1

: an act or process of clearing: such as

a

: the removal of buildings from an area (such as a city slum)

b

: the act of clearing a ship at the customhouse

also : the papers showing that a ship has cleared

c

: the offsetting of checks and other claims among banks through a clearinghouse

d

: certification as clear of objection : authorization

security clearance

e

: a sale to clear out stock

f

: authorization for an aircraft to proceed especially with a specified action

clearance to land

2

: the distance by which one object clears another or the clear space between them

3

: the volume of blood or plasma that can be freed of a specified constituent in a specified time by its excretion into the urine through the kidneys

a creatine clearance of 25 milliliters per minute

called also renal clearance

Synonyms of clearance

• permission
• authorization
• consent
• granting

Examples of clearance in a Sentence

She has a security clearance that allows her to see the classified information.

The pilot got clearance to land.

That flight has not received clearance for landing.

There was only 10 inches of clearance between the car and the side of the tunnel.

a bridge with a 100-foot clearance above the water

the clearance of forests for farming

slum clearance to make room for new housing

Recent Examples on the Web

Complications with medical clearance and a promise made to his fallen comrade force him to remain in the Ukrainian capital despite his desire to get back to the frontline. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026

The company began pursuing clearance with the FDA for its sleep apnea detection and mitigation technologies in 2025 and is conducting clinical studies in support of its submissions. — Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026

Defender James Sands made a spectacular goal clearance before scoring in first-half stoppage time to help New York City FC earn a 1-1 draw with the New England Revolution on Sunday. — CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026

Gyles attempted eight crosses and also made four clearances, doing both sides of the game well. — Liam Tharme, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1540, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing clearance

• clearance sale
• renal clearance
• road/ground clearance
• security clearance

Rhymes for clearance

• adherence
• appearance
• coherence
• preclearance
• disappearance
• incoherence
• interference
• perseverance
• reappearance
• noninterference

Kids Definition

clearance

noun

clear·​ance ˈklir-ən(t)s 

1

a

: an act or process of clearing

b

: the act of clearing a ship at the customhouse

c

: the papers showing that a ship has cleared

d

: authorization for an airplane to proceed

2

: a sale to clear out stock

3

: the distance by which one object keeps from hitting or touching another or the clear space between them

Medical Definition

clearance

noun

clear·​ance ˈklir-ən(t)s 

: the volume of blood or plasma that could be freed of a specified constituent in a specified time (usually one minute) by excretion of the constituent into the urine through the kidneys

called also renal clearance