# alley

/ˈæɫi/ (US) · /ˈæli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/alley
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. narrow street

noun · CEFR B1

a narrow street or path, often between or behind buildings.

For teachers: a narrow urban passageway, typically located between or behind buildings and providing access to the rear of properties.

- The cat disappeared down a dark alley behind the restaurant.
- The historic district is famous for its winding alleys, which are now lined with small boutiques and hidden cafés.

### 2. bowling lane

noun · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. bowling center

noun · CEFR B1

a building or business where people go to play bowling.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. tennis court area

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

### 5. garden path

noun · CEFR B2 · Literary

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The cat ran down the dark alley behind the restaurant.
- The delivery driver parked on the main road because his truck was too wide for the narrow alley.
- Urban planners are transforming the city's neglected alleys into vibrant pedestrian corridors filled with local art and small garden spaces.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.