elbowroom

[ el-boh-room, -room ]

noun

1. ample room; space in which to move freely.
2. scope; opportunity:

   a job with elbowroom.

elbowroom

/ -ˌrʊm; ˈɛlbəʊˌruːm /

noun

1. sufficient scope to move or function

Word History and Origins

Origin of elbowroom¹

First recorded in 1530–40; elbow + room

Example Sentences

"The space is expansive and really allows for the breathing and elbowroom to engage with exhibitors and discover new books."

From Los Angeles Times

There is enough elbowroom for a city of almost 1 million potential library-card holders, and for the newcomers expected in the upcoming decades.

From Washington Times

There is enough elbowroom for a city of almost 1 million potential library-card holders, and for the newcomers expected in the upcoming decades.

From Seattle Times

Dinner may be late, there may be little elbowroom, the turkey may even be charred — and they’ll still like you.

From Washington Post

Elbowroom is fine if you are sitting next to your sweaty uncle on the way to mom’s funeral.

From Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• amount
• breadth
• degree
• duration
• expansion
• intensity
• length
• matter
• measure
• quantity
• scope
• size
• term