alley Definition
a narrow street or passage, especially one between or behind buildings.
Using alley: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "alley" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The alley behind the building is where we park our cars.
Example
The children played ball in the alley.
Example
The restaurant has a beautiful outdoor seating area in the alley.
alley Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with alley
Example
His job was a blind alley with no opportunities for advancement.
a narrow street or alleyway behind or between buildings, often associated with illegal activities
Example
The drug dealers operated out of a back alley behind the club.
cat alley
a narrow space between two buildings that is too small for a car to pass through
Example
We had to park on the street because our garage was down a cat alley.
Origins of alley
from Middle English 'alei', from Old French 'alee', meaning 'walking or passage place'
Summary: alley in Brief
An 'alley' [ˈæli] is a narrow street or passage, especially one between or behind buildings. It can be used for parking, playing, or as an outdoor seating area. Phrases like 'blind alley' and 'back alley' use 'alley' to denote a situation that leads nowhere or an alleyway associated with illegal activities, respectively. 'Cat alley' refers to a narrow space between two buildings that is too small for a car to pass through.
