right-of-way

noun

plural rights-of-way also right-of-ways
1
: a legal right of passage over another person's ground
2
a
: the area over which a right-of-way exists
b
: the strip of land over which is built a public road
c
: the land occupied by a railroad especially for its main line
d
: the land used by a public utility (as for a transmission line)
3
a
: a precedence in passing accorded to one vehicle over another by custom, decision, or statute
b
: the right of traffic to take precedence
c
: the right to take precedence over others
gave the bill the right-of-way in the Senate

Examples of right-of-way in a Sentence

the bill for emergency aid was immediately granted right-of-way
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.
Trees or limbs that fall onto a shoulder, sidewalk or public right-of-way should be reported by calling 311 or using the CLT+ mobile app. Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 10 Jan. 2025 The off-duty officer was riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle westbound when the driver of the Accord failed to yield the right-of-way and turned in front of the motorcycle, a DPS spokesperson said in a news release. Amy McDaniel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Jan. 2025 There is an obvious and important question that needs to be seriously asked and answered: Can existing rights-of-way be used to transmit power from A to B, and thereby avoid the emotional confrontation on the doorstep? Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 8 Jan. 2025 Their ideas include moving the tracks to the Interstate 5 right-of-way from Oceanside to San Diego, or building a bridge along the coast above the beach in Del Mar. Planners have said those suggestions are impractical and unlikely. Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for right-of-way 

Word History

First Known Use

1768, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of right-of-way was in 1768

Dictionary Entries Near right-of-way

Cite this Entry

“Right-of-way.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/right-of-way. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

right-of-way

noun
ˌrīt-ə(v)-ˈwā
plural rights-of-way
1
: a legal right to pass over another person's land
2
: the area over which a right-of-way exists
3
: the right of certain traffic to go ahead of other traffic
4
: priority sense 1
gave the bill the right-of-way in the Senate

Legal Definition

right-of-way

1
: an easement or servitude over another's land conferring a right of passage
2
a
: the area over which a right-of-way exists
b
: the strip of land over which is built a public road
c
: the land occupied by a railroad especially for its main line
d
: the land used by a public utility (as for a transmission line)
3
a
: a precedence in passing accorded to one vehicle over another by custom, decision, or statute
b
: the right of traffic to take precedence
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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