1the action or process of clearing or of being dispersed:cleaning of the machine should include clearance of blockagesthere will be sunny intervals after clearance of any early mist
the removal of buildings, people, or trees from land so as to free it for alternative uses:slum clearance accelerated during the 1960s [count noun]:forest clearances
(also house clearance) the removal of contents from a house:the sheriff’s officers supervised the house clearance [count noun]:antiques wanted and clearances undertaken
[count noun] (in soccer and other sports) a kick or hit that sends the ball away from one’s goal:Nilsson made two goal line clearances to keep out Tottenham’s attackers
[count noun] Snooker the potting of all the balls remaining on the table in a single break:a plant which let in Hendry for a clearance of 96
2official authorization for something to proceed or take place:the aircraft hadn’t got diplomatic clearance to land in Mexico
(also security clearance) official permission for someone to have access to classified information:these people don’t have clearance
permission for an aircraft to take off or land at an airport:he took off without air traffic clearance
(also customs clearance) the clearing of a person or ship by customs:when you arrive at the continental airport you will be required to obtain customs clearance
[count noun] a certificate showing that customs clearance has been granted.
the process of clearing cheques through a clearing house.
3clear space allowed for a thing to move past or under another:always give cyclists plenty of clearance
