Right-of-way meaning : The right to proceed first in traffic, on land, on water or in the air. Also in metaphorical senses. A legal right of passage over another's land or pathways. A legal easement granted for the construction of a roadway or railway. Land on which a right of way exists. The area modified for passage of a railway; often specifically the railbed and tracks. The priority granted to the first person to properly execute an attack.