Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

leeway

[ˈliːˌweɪ]

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: 2.98 in modern English

Syllables
lee-way
IPA
[ˈliːˌweɪ]
12
Scrabble Score
6
Letters
2
Syllables
5
Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

The drift of a ship or aeroplane in a leeward direction.

Countable; Uncountable

noun

A varying degree or amount of freedom or flexibility.

Countable; Uncountable

noun

An adverse discrepancy or variation in a cumulative process, usually in the phrase make up leeway.

British usage; Countable; Uncountable

Example Sentences

Etymology

From lee (“side away from the wind”) + way.

Usage

Inflected Forms

Frequently Paired Words

Synonyms

Rhymes With

Questions

How do you pronounce leeway?
The recorded pronunciation is [ˈliːˌweɪ].
What does leeway mean?
The drift of a ship or aeroplane in a leeward direction.
Where does leeway come from?
From lee (“side away from the wind”) + way.

How to pronounce leeway

  1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “leeway”.
  2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling ([ˈliːˌweɪ]) so you know which sounds to aim for.
  3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “leeway”.
  4. Repeat and practice — Say “leeway” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.