allow

verb

al·low | \ ə-ˈlau̇

allowed; allowing; allows

Definition of allow

transitive verb

1a : permit doesn't allow people to smoke in his home

b : to fail to restrain or prevent allow the dog to roam

2a : to assign as a share or suitable amount (as of time or money) allow an hour for lunch

b : to reckon as a deduction or an addition allow a gallon for leakage

3 : admit, concede must allow that money causes problems in marriage

4a chiefly Southern US and Midland US : to be of the opinion : think

b dialect : say, state

c : to express an opinion —usually used with as how or that

5 chiefly Southern US and Midland US : intend, plan

intransitive verb

1 : to make a possibility : admit —used with of evidence that allows of only one conclusion

2 : to give consideration to circumstances or contingencies —used with for a plan that allows for expansion

Other Words from allow Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about allow

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Examples of allow in a Sentence

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. My boss wouldn't allow me to change my schedule. They don't allow people to smoke in this hotel. Women were not allowed in the club. The hospital doesn't allow visitors after 8 p.m. Her schedule doesn't allow her any time to run errands. The system allows you to transfer data easily from one computer to another. Occasional gaps allow passage through the mountains.

Recent Examples on the Web

General admission costs $3, with early birds allowed at 8 a.m. for $15 to browse more than 60 dealer tables offering antique bottles, postcards, stoneware, glassware, fruit jars, insulators, advertising, and other collectibles. — BostonGlobe.com, "North Calendar: What’s happening this week," 5 Sep. 2019 The complaint alleges Montgomery allowed prosecutor Juan Martinez to engage in unethical conduct during the trial and took steps to make sure the public would not find out about it. — Maria Polletta, azcentral, "Gov. Doug Ducey appoints Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery to Arizona Supreme Court," 4 Sep. 2019 Maduro’s government, which considers Guaidó a puppet of the Trump administration, has accused Colombia’s government of allowing three paramilitary training camps to operate in its territory with the aim of taking down Maduro. — Washington Post, "Venezuelan opposition OKs satellites to hunt guerrilla camps," 4 Sep. 2019 Officials could consider families’ medical histories in allowing exemptions in addition to immunization guidelines issued by federal medical authorities. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "California advances crackdown on bogus vaccine exemptions," 4 Sep. 2019 The first is that the Dominican righty has been pitching hurt all season, because his overall numbers are hard to explain otherwise: a 5.65 ERA, 13 homers and 20 walks allowed in 51 innings, a .554 slugging percentage against that darting slider. — Jon Tayler, SI.com, "Mets' Season All But Over After Gut-Wrenching Collapse Against Nationals," 4 Sep. 2019 In 2016, Mississippi passed a controversial law allowing businesses to refuse services to LGBTQ people based on religious objections. — Time, "A Mississippi Wedding Venue Refused to Serve Gay or Interracial Couples. Amid Backlash, the Owner Is Now Apologizing," 4 Sep. 2019 Nevertheless, while at the NSC, Power helped expand by $50 million U.S. aid to Iraqi refugees, increased the number of Iraqis allowed to resettle in the United States, and doubled the government’s refugee stipend. — Daniel Bessner, The New Republic, "The Fog of Intervention," 4 Sep. 2019 Mike Montgomery was solid, allowing one run on six hits in 5 2/3 innings. — Kollin Miller, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit Tigers lose at Kansas City after walk-off ends seesaw battle, 6-5," 4 Sep. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'allow.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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More Definitions for allow

allow

verb

English Language Learners Definition of allow

: to permit (something) : to regard or treat (something) as acceptable

: to permit (someone) to have or do something

: to permit (someone) to go or come in, out, etc.

See the full definition for allow in the English Language Learners Dictionary

allow

verb

al·low | \ ə-ˈlau̇

allowed; allowing

Kids Definition of allow

1 : to give permission to Mom allowed us to stay up late.

2 : to fail to prevent Don't allow the dog to roam.

3 : to assign as a share or suitable amount (as of time or money) Our parents allowed us each five dollars to spend.

4 : to accept as true : concede I'm willing to allow that he may be right.

5 : to consider when making a decision or a calculation Our plans didn't allow for the possibility of rain.

6 : to make it possible to have or do something Your shoes should be big enough to allow for growth.

allow

Definition of allow

Synonyms & Antonyms for allow

Examples of allow in a Sentence

First Known Use of allow

History and Etymology for allow

English Language Learners Definition of allow

Kids Definition of allow

allow

Definition of allow

Synonyms & Antonyms for allow

Examples of allow in a Sentence

First Known Use of allow

History and Etymology for allow

English Language Learners Definition of allow

Kids Definition of allow

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