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
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
While Michigan schools have some leeway in setting their academic calendars, the state requires at least 1,098 hours and 180 days of student instruction.
—
Paula Wethington, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026
Secondly, please grant some leeway to people with small children.
—Judith Martin, Mercury News, 20 Jan. 2026
Tucker’s contract allows the Dodgers’ championship roster to capitalize on its dynasty run, but also gives the club some leeway.
—Katie Woo, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2026
The club’s stability — the team has had just three head coaches since 1969 — combined with its ability to remain competitive even without a franchise quarterback for the last half-decade means whoever gets the job will be given substantial leeway to get the team back to the top.
—Will Graves, Baltimore Sun, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for leeway
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Paula Wethington, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026
Secondly, please grant some leeway to people with small children.
—Judith Martin, Mercury News, 20 Jan. 2026
Tucker’s contract allows the Dodgers’ championship roster to capitalize on its dynasty run, but also gives the club some leeway.
—Katie Woo, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2026
The club’s stability — the team has had just three head coaches since 1969 — combined with its ability to remain competitive even without a franchise quarterback for the last half-decade means whoever gets the job will be given substantial leeway to get the team back to the top.
—Will Graves, Baltimore Sun, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for leeway
Cite this Entry
“Leeway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leeway. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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