Alley: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe a narrow street or pathway between buildings, often in urban areas. It can sometimes have a negative connotation due to associations with crime or disrepair.

• The cat darted into the alley, disappearing into the shadows.
• They walked down a dark alley, cautious of their surroundings.

Commonly refers to a narrow road, often in rural areas, that can accommodate only one line of traffic or a small pathway usually associated with a specific function, like bike lanes.

• They took the scenic lane that wound through the countryside.
• Cyclists are supposed to use the bike lane for safety.

Typically used to describe a way or corridor for passing through, often inside buildings or ships. It can also denote an abstract transition from one state to another.

• There is a secret passage behind the bookshelf.
• The passage from youth to adulthood can be challenging.

Often refers to a trail or path, either paved or natural, usually in a garden, park, or countryside, and is generally wider and more pleasant than an alley or lane.

• The pathway through the park is lined with beautiful trees.
• Follow the pathway to reach the lake.

In American English, 'alley' can also refer to the playing lane in bowling.

• He rolled the ball straight down the alley to knock all the pins over.
• The bowling alley was packed with people on a Saturday night.

Specifically used in the context of bowling, this refers to the individual lanes on which the bowling balls are rolled.

• Each player took turns rolling their ball down the bowling lane.
• The bowling lane was freshly polished for the tournament.

Less commonly used, this term can also refer to the lanes in a bowling alley. It's more often used in certain regions or specialized contexts.

• He carefully lined up his shot and aimed for the center of the bowling track.
• The bowling track was equipped with automatic scoring systems.