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
There’s no more leeway, and little wiggle room left to spare.
—
Charlotte Observer, 29 Dec. 2025
Alongside Matthew Rushing, Graf Mack was able to program this season with a bit more leeway than in previous years; something that really intrigued her.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 26 Dec. 2025
Officers have wide leeway to choose which box to check on their summons forms, The Post found.
—Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 22 Dec. 2025
The takes and plot details for the monthly series are being kept in the Lodge Family vault, but both parties say Gorinson and his team had significant leeway.
—Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for leeway
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Charlotte Observer, 29 Dec. 2025
Alongside Matthew Rushing, Graf Mack was able to program this season with a bit more leeway than in previous years; something that really intrigued her.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 26 Dec. 2025
Officers have wide leeway to choose which box to check on their summons forms, The Post found.
—Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 22 Dec. 2025
The takes and plot details for the monthly series are being kept in the Lodge Family vault, but both parties say Gorinson and his team had significant leeway.
—Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for leeway
Cite this Entry
“Leeway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leeway. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.
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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