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Aisle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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aisle

[aɪl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

supermarket

A passage between rows of seats in a building such as a church or theatre, an aircraft, or train.

Synonyms

corridor, passage, walkway.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
aisle

This is commonly used in places like supermarkets, theaters, airplanes, or churches. An aisle is a space for walking between rows of seats or shelves.

  • She walked down the grocery store aisle to find some pasta
  • The bride walked down the aisle with her father
passage

This term is slightly more formal and can refer to a narrow path or hallway inside a building, or sometimes a small street between buildings.

  • They found a secret passage behind the bookshelf
  • The narrow passage between the buildings was dimly lit
walkway

A walkway is usually outside and refers to a path for walking, often connecting different areas of a park, garden, or campus.

  • They strolled along the scenic walkway by the river
  • The university built a new walkway connecting the dormitories to the main campus
corridor

A corridor is typically found inside buildings, like schools, offices, or hospitals. It is a long passage with doors that lead to rooms.

  • The classroom is located at the end of the corridor
  • He hurried down the hospital corridor to visit his friend

Examples of usage

  • She walked slowly down the aisle to her seat in the church.
  • The flight attendant asked the passengers to stay seated until they reached the end of the aisle.
Context #2 | Noun

shopping

A passage between shelves of goods in a supermarket or retail store.

Synonyms

aisleway, department, section.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
aisle

Used to refer to a passage between rows of seats in a theater, airplane, or a church, or between shelves in a shop.

  • Please keep your belongings out of the aisle to avoid tripping hazards.
  • The bride walked down the aisle while everyone watched.
section

Used to indicate a distinct part or subdivision of a larger whole, such as a store, book, or area in a city.

  • The grocery store has a fresh produce section.
  • The conclusions section of the report needs more detail.
department

Refers to a distinct part of a larger organization, such as a business, school, or government, where specific activities or tasks are carried out.

  • She works in the marketing department of the company.
  • The university has a well-known biology department.
aisleway

Primarily used in industrial or storage settings, indicating a passageway between rows of stored goods.

  • The forklift moved carefully through the narrow aisleway.
  • Ensure all aisleways are clear for smooth operations.

Examples of usage

  • She found the cereal aisle and began browsing the different options.
  • The aisle was crowded with shoppers looking for discounts.
Context #3 | Noun

wedding

The passage down which a bride walks in a church during a wedding ceremony.

Synonyms

passageway, processional, walkway.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
aisle

Used in a wedding context to describe the path the bride walks down to reach the altar.

  • She looked beautiful walking down the aisle.
  • The groom waited nervously at the end of the aisle.
passageway

A narrow path or corridor connecting different areas, often used in buildings or between rooms.

  • The secret passageway led to a hidden room.
  • The passageway was dimly lit.
processional

Describes the formal march or ceremonial parade, especially in contexts like weddings, graduations, or religious ceremonies.

  • The processional marched down the street in perfect unison.
  • They played music during the processional.
walkway

A path designed for walking, often found in parks, gardens, or between buildings.

  • The walkway winds through the beautiful garden.
  • Please stay on the walkway to avoid damaging the grass.

Examples of usage

  • The bride looked stunning as she walked down the aisle towards her groom.
  • The music played softly as the bride made her way down the aisle.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Architecture

  • In churches, aisles help direct movement, allowing congregation members easy access to seats while keeping the main area clear.
  • The width of an aisle in stadiums can impact crowd safety; wider aisles can facilitate quicker evacuation during emergencies.
  • In museums, aisles are strategically designed to enhance artwork visibility and provide a guided flow for visitors.

Cultural Significance

  • Aisles are integral in wedding ceremonies, symbolizing the journey of a bride walking towards a new beginning.
  • In many cultures, the aisle in a grocery store can represent choices with products on either side, influencing purchasing decisions.
  • In airplanes, aisles hold significance as they create designated paths for safety and efficiency during boarding and disembarking.

Pop Culture

  • Many films feature iconic scenes set in aisles, from dramatic confrontations in grocery stores to romantic moments in wedding venues.
  • Television shows often use the layout of aisles to create comedic misunderstandings, playing on the chaos of navigating crowded spaces.
  • The term 'aisle' is frequently used in dating contexts, as in the phrase 'the aisle will be where you meet your future spouse.'

Psychology

  • Aisles can influence consumer behavior; wider aisles are associated with comfort and can lead to increased spending in stores.
  • Studies suggest that the amount of space between aisles affects how people perceive their shopping experience; cluttered aisles often lead to stress.
  • Navigating aisles can provide a sense of control for individuals, as they allow for clear choices and paths in environments like supermarkets.

Origin of 'aisle'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'aisle' comes from the Old French word 'aisle,' which means 'wing' or 'side,' referring to the space alongside something.
  • In Latin, the term 'ala' also meant 'wing,' highlighting how aisles often flank larger areas.
  • The pronunciation of 'aisle' has remained relatively unchanged since its introduction into English in the 14th century.

The word 'aisle' originated from the Old French word 'alee', meaning 'a path or walkway'. It was later adopted into Middle English as 'ele' before evolving into the current spelling 'aisle'. The concept of aisles in buildings and supermarkets developed over time to facilitate movement and organization.

See also: aisleway.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,095, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.