alley-oop

American  

[al-ee-oop] / ˈæl iˈup /

interjection

1. (used as a shout of encouragement, exhortation, or the like, especially when coordinating efforts to lift a heavy object.)

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noun

1. Basketball. a quick-score play in which a high, arching pass is made to a teammate close to the basket, who leaps to catch the ball and in midair drops or stuffs it through the basket.

Etymology

Origin of alley-oop

First recorded in 1915–20; from French allez-hop; allez, imperative of aller “to go” + hop, variant of houp, an interjection of expressive origin; alley ¹ ( def. ), hoopla ( def. )

Example Sentences

The Illini kept pouring it on until the final minute, when Illinois’ big man Tomislav Ivisic threw down an alley-oop to push Illinois into triple digits.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 19, 2026

Paul brought “Lob City” to L.A., throwing alley-oop passes to star forward Blake Griffin, who soared through the air to dunk them down.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 23, 2025

St. John Bosco forward Christian Collins slammed an alley-oop dunk to begin the game — enough for half of the Braves’ 4-3 lead by the end of the first quarter.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 31, 2024

Doncic had one on an alley-oop dunk to Daniel Gafford that prompted Irving’s screaming celebration.

From Seattle Times • May 27, 2024

Nick had thrown the ball for the alley-oop but it was off and I had to reach for it.

From "Slam!" by Walter Dean Myers