allows; allowed; allowing
1
a
: to permit (something) : to regard or treat (something) as acceptable
a religion that does not allow divorce
They don't allow smoking in this hotel.
I want to change my schedule, but my boss won't allow it.
b
: to permit (someone) to have or do something
He allowed her to leave. [=he let her leave]
My boss wouldn't allow me to change my schedule.
They don't allow people to smoke in this hotel.
He allows himself (to have) many luxuries.
—used in the phrase allow me to make a polite offer to help someoneAllow me to get/open the door for you.
If you're going to remodel your kitchen, allow me to offer a few suggestions.
c
: to permit (someone) to go or come in, out, etc.
Women were not allowed in/into the club.
The hospital doesn't allow visitors after 8 p.m.
Those children are too young to be allowed (to go) out at night.
2
a
: to make it possible for someone or something to have or do something
Her experience allows her to handle difficult situations easily. [=she can handle difficult situations easily because of her experience]
Her schedule doesn't allow her any time to run errands.
The system allows you to transfer data easily from one computer to another.
b
: to make it possible for something to happen
Occasional gaps allow passage through the mountains.
a password that allows access to the system
The system allows the easy transfer of data from one computer to another. = The system allows data to be transferred easily from one computer to another.
c
: to fail to prevent something or someone from being, becoming, or doing something
They allowed the garden to become overgrown with weeds.
These conditions should never have been allowed to develop.
I was surprised to see that she had allowed herself to become so fat. [=that she had become so fat]
3
: to include (a quantity of time, money, etc.) as an appropriate amount
When you're planning your day you should allow an hour for lunch.
Their parents allowed five dollars for each child as spending money.
We need to allow (ourselves) enough time to get the job done properly.
4
a
: to accept (something)
The judge decided to allow the evidence.
b
: to admit (something)
His job played a more important part in his life than his biographer allows.
—usually + that or (US, informal) as howShe allowed that the work was hard. = She allowed as how the work was hard. [=she admitted that the work was hard]
5
sports
: to let an opposing team or player have or score (a goal, a hit, etc.)
The pitcher allowed five hits and three runs in the first two innings.
allow a goal
The defense has not allowed a touchdown in the past three games.
Cite this Entry
“Allow.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/allow. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.
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