alley

al-ley · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A narrow passage between or behind buildings.

  2. 2.

    A path in a park or garden bordered by trees or bushes.

  3. 3.

    A long, narrow area for bowling or skittles.

Forms

plural: alleys

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    bowling alley — A venue for bowling; the lane used for bowling.
  • •
    blind alley — A street with no exit; a course of action that leads nowhere.
  • •
    alley cat — A stray cat living in urban alleys.
  • •
    up one's alley — Suited to one's interests or abilities (also "right up one's alley").
  • •
    back alley — A secondary alley, often associated with secretive or illicit activities.

Related words

Antonyms: boulevard, highway, main street
See also: alleyway, lane, passage, street
Synonyms: alleyway, lane, passage, passageway

Etymology

From Old French alee ("a going, passage"), from aler ("to go"), from Latin ambulare ("to walk").