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Definition of leeway

leeway

/ˈliːweɪ/
lee · way
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leeway Lexical Profile

leeway Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The amount of freedom, flexibility, or extra margin allowed to move, act, or make decisions within established limits.

Example

"The project manager gave the design team plenty of leeway to experiment with new layouts."

2

The sideways drift of a ship or aircraft to leeward of its desired course due to the force of the wind.

Example

"The navigator adjusted the compass heading by five degrees to compensate for the vessel's leeway in the strong crosswind."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for leeway

• Nearby Words

leeriness
leery
leeward
leeway
left
leftfield
lefthandedness

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the 17th century as a nautical compound of "lee" (from Old English hleo, meaning "shelter") and "way," originally describing the sideways drift of a sailing vessel pushed downwind off its intended course.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Leeway. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/leeway
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