English Reference

Word

aisle

US/ˈaɪəɫ/

UK/ˈaɪəl/

Definitions

01supermarket or shop

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. a long path between shelves in a shop or supermarket.

n. a passage between shelves in a retail environment, typically used to categorise goods.

“You can find the pasta and rice in the third aisle on the left.”

“The supermarket manager reorganised the frozen food aisle to improve the flow of customers during peak weekend hours.”

02seating area

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. a path between rows of seats in a plane, cinema, or church.

n. a longitudinal passage between sections of seats in a public building or vehicle.

“The flight attendant walked down the aisle to check everyone's seatbelt.”

“The bride walked slowly down the central aisle of the cathedral while the organist played the traditional wedding march.”

Synonyms

gangwaypassageway

03political divide

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Law American English · Formal

n. the imaginary line that separates two different political parties.

n. the metaphorical divide between opposing political parties in a legislative body, particularly in the United States.

“Politicians from both sides of the aisle agreed to support the new law.”

“The senator was known for his ability to reach across the aisle and build a bipartisan coalition on environmental issues.”

Usage

Usually appears in the phrase 'across the aisle' or 'both sides of the aisle'.

Teaching tip

This sense is specific to political contexts where seating is divided by party; it is very common in American news media.

Synonyms

04architecture

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Technical

n. a side part of a large church building, separated from the center by a row of pillars.

n. a lateral division of a church, running parallel to the nave and separated from it by an arcade or colonnade.

“The north aisle of the cathedral contains several beautiful old statues.”

“The architect designed the side aisles with lower ceilings to emphasize the soaring height of the central nave.”

Synonyms

Idioms

Domain

Politics

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/aisle

English Reference