Main Entry: ¹al·ley

Pronunciation: \ˈa-lē\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural alleys

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French alee, from aler to go

Date: 14th century

1 : a garden or park walk bordered by trees or bushes
2 a (1) : a grassed enclosure for bowling or skittles (2) : a hardwood lane for bowling; also : a room or building housing a group of such lanes b : the space on each side of a tennis doubles court between the sideline and the service sideline c : an area in a baseball outfield between two outfielders when they are in normal positions
3 : a narrow street; especially : a thoroughfare through the middle of a block giving access to the rear of lots or buildings

— up one's alley also down one's alley : suited to one's own tastes or abilities