Meaning of the word "right of way" in English

What does "right of way" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

right of way

US /ˌraɪt əv ˈweɪ/

UK /ˌraɪt əv ˈweɪ/

the legal right to pass along a specific route through someone else's land

Example:

•

The farmer granted a public right of way across his fields.

•

There's a scenic right of way along the river.

Synonym:

easement access passage

the right of a vehicle or pedestrian to proceed ahead of others in a particular situation or at a particular place

Example:

•

At this intersection, pedestrians always have the right of way.

•

You must yield the right of way to emergency vehicles.

Synonym:

priority precedence