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 bushes2 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 positions3: 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