Main Entry: right–of–way

Pronunciation: \ˌrīt-ə(v)-ˈwā\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural rights–of–way also right–of–ways

Date: 1768

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>