right-of-way
noun
plural rights-of-way also right-of-ways
1
: a legal right of passage over another person's ground
2
a
: the area over which a right-of-way exists
b
: the strip of land over which is built a public road
c
: the land occupied by a railroad especially for its main line
d
: the land used by a public utility (as for a transmission line)
3
a
: a precedence in passing accorded to one vehicle over another by custom, decision, or statute
b
: the right of traffic to take precedence
c
: the right to take precedence over others
gave the bill the right-of-way in the Senate
Examples of right-of-way in a Sentence
the bill for emergency aid was immediately granted right-of-way
Recent Examples on the Web
The bid opening had to be pushed back from May to July 15, because right-of-way had to be purchased from three property owners near the bridge, said Mike Jabo, director of the Porter County Department of Development and Stormwater Management.
—
Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025
Under a franchise agreement, a municipality allows a utility to use the public right-of-way to install and maintain infrastructure — such as poles, wires and pipes — to deliver electricity and natural gas to customers.
—Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 May 2025
Huntley village officials say the blow-up likeness of the store’s namesake, as well as a temporary banner and outdoor merchandise that stretch into the public right-of-way, all violate municipal code.
—Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
All serious rail advocates want a dedicated right-of-way for the high-speed rail that much of the rest of the world enjoys.
—Bruce Finley, Denver Post, 11 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for right-of-way
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Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025
Under a franchise agreement, a municipality allows a utility to use the public right-of-way to install and maintain infrastructure — such as poles, wires and pipes — to deliver electricity and natural gas to customers.
—Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 May 2025
Huntley village officials say the blow-up likeness of the store’s namesake, as well as a temporary banner and outdoor merchandise that stretch into the public right-of-way, all violate municipal code.
—Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
All serious rail advocates want a dedicated right-of-way for the high-speed rail that much of the rest of the world enjoys.
—Bruce Finley, Denver Post, 11 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for right-of-way
Cite this Entry
“Right-of-way.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/right-of-way. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.
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