alley

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Sports

n. the long wooden floor where you roll a ball in bowling.

n. the elongated, polished wooden or synthetic lane along which a bowling ball is rolled toward the pins.

“He carefully aimed the ball down the center of the alley.”

“The technician spent the morning oiling the alleys to ensure the surface met professional tournament standards.”

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Sports

n. a building or business where people go to play bowling.

n. a commercial establishment containing multiple lanes for the game of ten-pin bowling.

“We spent Saturday night at the local alley with a group of friends.”

“The old bowling alley was renovated last year to include a modern arcade and a full-service restaurant.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Sports Technical

n. the extra space on a tennis court used only during doubles games.

n. the longitudinal strips between the singles and doubles sidelines on a tennis court.

“The ball landed in the alley, so it was out for a singles match.”

“In doubles play, the court is widened by the inclusion of the alleys, requiring players to cover more lateral ground.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Literary

n. a path in a garden or park with trees or bushes on both sides.

n. a walk or passage in a formal garden or park, typically bordered by rows of trees or clipped hedges.

“They walked slowly along the shaded alley of the botanical garden.”

“The estate features a magnificent lime-tree alley that leads visitors directly from the gatehouse to the main entrance.”