aisle
n.-
1 supermarket or shop (n.) B1 Intermediatea long path between shelves in a shop or supermarket.
a passage between shelves in a retail environment, typically used to categorise goods.
ExampleYou can find the pasta and rice in the third aisle on the left.
ExampleThe supermarket manager reorganised the frozen food aisle to improve the flow of customers during peak weekend hours.
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2 seating area (n.) B1 Intermediatea path between rows of seats in a plane, cinema, or church.
a longitudinal passage between sections of seats in a public building or vehicle.
ExampleThe flight attendant walked down the aisle to check everyone's seatbelt.
ExampleThe bride walked slowly down the central aisle of the cathedral while the organist played the traditional wedding march.
- gangway
- passageway
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3 political divide (n.) C1 Advanced American English Formal Lawthe imaginary line that separates two different political parties.
the metaphorical divide between opposing political parties in a legislative body, particularly in the United States.
ExamplePoliticians from both sides of the aisle agreed to support the new law.
ExampleThe senator was known for his ability to reach across the aisle and build a bipartisan coalition on environmental issues.
UsageUsually appears in the phrase 'across the aisle' or 'both sides of the aisle'.
Teacher's tipThis sense is specific to political contexts where seating is divided by party; it is very common in American news media.
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4 architecture (n.) C2 Proficiency Technicala side part of a large church building, separated from the center by a row of pillars.
a lateral division of a church, running parallel to the nave and separated from it by an arcade or colonnade.
ExampleThe north aisle of the cathedral contains several beautiful old statues.
ExampleThe architect designed the side aisles with lower ceilings to emphasize the soaring height of the central nave.