leeway

noun

lee·​way ˈlē-ˌwā How to pronounce leeway (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While the attorney general is appointed by the president, their staff is given wide leeway to follow the law rather than the president’s dictates. Zack Beauchamp, Vox, 1 Nov. 2024 The deal means Disney will have rights to show the Grammys, the Super Bowl and the Oscars in 2027, a trifecta that will give the company new leeway to craft large ad packages with major sponsors. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 30 Oct. 2024 The ruling came in a case filed by Julie Adams, a Republican member of the Fulton County election board, who argued election board members had leeway around certification. Graham Kates, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for leeway 

Word History

First Known Use

1669, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of leeway was in 1669

Dictionary Entries Near leeway

Cite this Entry

“Leeway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leeway. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

leeway

noun
lee·​way ˈlē-ˌwā How to pronounce leeway (audio)
1
: sideways movement of a ship when under way
2
: an extra amount (as of room or time) that allows some freedom or variation

More from Merriam-Webster on leeway

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!