Definition
An ATC authorization for an aircraft to land on a specified runway at the destination airport. The clearance is issued only after the controller has ensured the runway is expected to be available and that the aircraft has met any required separation from other traffic.
Plain English
ATC is telling you that you have permission to actually touch down on the runway they name. You may now complete the landing.
Context Anchor
Heard on the radio from a control tower when an aircraft is approaching a runway at a controlled airport.
Derivation
Cleared comes from the idea of something being free from blockage or allowed to proceed. In aviation, it means permission has been given by air traffic control, not that every possible risk has disappeared.
Why Pilots Care
It confirms the runway and approach path are clear of other traffic, allowing a safe landing without conflict.
Intuition Check
Do not assume cleared to land means the runway is guaranteed safe no matter what. It means air traffic control is authorizing the landing based on what the controller knows at that moment.
Example Sentence 1
Tower transmitted, 'Cessna Three Four Alpha, runway two seven, cleared to land.'
Example Sentence 2
Once cleared to land, the pilot reduced power and continued the descent to the runway.