1
: an allowable margin of freedom or variation : tolerance
The new rules allow managers greater leeway in making decisions.
2
a
: off-course lateral movement of a ship when underway
The sailboat's centerboard helps to reduce leeway.
b
: the angle between the heading and the track of an airplane
Examples of leeway in a Sentence
They give their students leeway to try new things.
you will be given some leeway in choosing how to carry out the project
Recent Examples on the Web
Since inflation rates have slowed and are poised to fall further on trend, central banks will likely have more leeway to cut interest rates.
—
Jason Schenker, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024
With the main results already out, Ortberg will have more leeway to address his plans for Boeing.
—Julie Johnsson, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2024
One of those locals, Tom Graves, brought his tractor, with only about a half-inch leeway to get the scraper in, and cleared out her bar floors.
—Susan Young, People.com, 5 Oct. 2024
Zoom out: Jeffries is known as a delegator who gives broad leeway to his leadership team, putting Raskin in position to have considerable authority.
—Andrew Solender, Axios, 15 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for leeway 
Jason Schenker, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024
With the main results already out, Ortberg will have more leeway to address his plans for Boeing.
—Julie Johnsson, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2024
One of those locals, Tom Graves, brought his tractor, with only about a half-inch leeway to get the scraper in, and cleared out her bar floors.
—Susan Young, People.com, 5 Oct. 2024
Zoom out: Jeffries is known as a delegator who gives broad leeway to his leadership team, putting Raskin in position to have considerable authority.
—Andrew Solender, Axios, 15 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for leeway
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'leeway.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near leeway
Cite this Entry
“Leeway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leeway. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
leeway
noun
lee·way
ˈlē-ˌwā 
1
: sideways movement of a ship when under way
2
: an extra amount (as of room or time) that allows some freedom or variation
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