right-of-way

right–of–way

noun \ˌrīt-ə(v)-ˈwā\

plural rights–of–way also right–of–ways

Definition of RIGHT-OF-WAY

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>

First Known Use of RIGHT-OF-WAY

1768

Related to RIGHT-OF-WAY

Synonyms: precedence, right-of-way

Related Words: preference; urgency; ascendancy (also ascendency), preeminence, primacy, supremacy; transcendence, transcendency; order, progression, sequence, succession; front burner

Near Antonyms: back burner

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