aisle

aisle · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A passage between rows of seats in a building such as a church, theater, or airplane.

  2. 2.

    A passage between shelves in a supermarket or store.

  3. 3.

    (Architecture) A lateral division of a church parallel to and divided from the nave by pillars.

Forms

plural: aisles

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    walk down the aisle — To get married.
  • •
    aisle seat — A seat next to the passage in a plane or theater.
  • •
    across the aisle — On the opposite political side (in U.S. politics).
  • •
    rolling in the aisles — Laughing uncontrollably.

Related words

See also: corridor, passage, row
Synonyms: corridor, passage, passageway

Etymology

From Old French aile ("wing"), from Latin ala ("wing"). The 's' was inserted in the 16th century by false association with isle ("island"), though the words are unrelated.