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: flexibility, cushion, 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

Under this measure, abortion could remain legal up to 12 weeks, but the Legislature has leeway to further restrict abortion rights, up to a complete ban.

From Los Angeles Times

Do you feel like you have the leeway in your show to give a sad Christmas performance?

From Los Angeles Times

I was allowed a lot of leeway and I always really appreciated that.

From Los Angeles Times

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said this would have been considered differently because on the first lap, and especially the start, more leeway is given and the fundamental default is "let them race".

From BBC

The laws typically don’t include any leeway for intervening earlier to treat patients with broader health risks that could make pregnancy more dangerous, such as lupus.

From Salon