leeway

noun

lee·​way ˈlē-ˌwā 

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

Synonyms of leeway

• slack
• latitude

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

But a series of court decisions in the past 50 years has given the executive branch more leeway to withdraw from treaties. —Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 26 Mar. 2026

Drawing a semicircle with his bat to mimic a line that would be drawn around the dirt, Lindor suggested about a foot of leeway for infielders to allow for more dynamic plays. —Abbey Mastracco, Hartford Courant, 23 Mar. 2026

The amount of leeway ranges from 21 days (in Washington state) to one day (in Texas). —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 23 Mar. 2026

But two off days within the first two weeks give them leeway to open with a traditional five-man. —Matt Kawahara, Houston Chronicle, 21 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1669, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing leeway

• make up (the) leeway

Rhymes for leeway

• airway
• allay
• archway
• array
• ashtray
• astray
• aue
• away
• ballet
• belay
• beltway
• beret

Kids Definition

leeway

noun

lee·​way ˈlē-ˌwā 

1

: sideways movement of a ship when under way

2

: an extra amount (as of room or time) that allows some freedom or variation