air right

noun

: a property right to the space above a surface area or object

Word History

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined above

Legal Definition

air right

noun

: a property right to the space above a surface or object (as a building) that may be sold or leased for development purposes

make use of the air rights above the Terminal

—Penn Central Transportation Co. v. City of New York, 438 U.S. 104 (1978)