leeway

[lee-wey]

noun

1. extra time, space, materials, or the like, within which to operate; margin.

   With ten minutes' leeway we can catch the train.

2. a degree of freedom of action or thought.

   His instructions gave us plenty of leeway.

   Synonyms: cushion, flexibility, latitude

3. Also called sag. Nautical.,  the amount or angle of the drift of a ship to leeward from its heading.

4. Aeronautics.,  the amount a plane is blown off its normal course by cross winds.

leeway

/ ˈliːˌweɪ /

noun

1. room for free movement within limits, as in action or expenditure

2. sideways drift of a boat or aircraft

Word History and Origins

Origin of leeway¹

First recorded in 1660–70; lee + way ¹

Example Sentences

There’s some leeway to be himself in the noncorporate environment, he said.

From Los Angeles Times

That said, experts say the rules are broad and give the agency significant leeway.

From BBC

To play that role, comedians need the leeway to embarrass, provoke and take risks, sometimes crossing the line into offense.

From Los Angeles Times

Other experts also suggest Israel's own legal assessments have given the government huge leeway in how it can act.

From BBC

They were banned in 2021 but prior to that lenders gave car dealers leeway to charge higher interest and earn a percentage of that as commission.

From BBC