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

It was the first time Deandre Ayton played in a game on the same team as LeBron James, but not the first time they had connected on an alley-oop.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 19, 2025

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

From Seattle Times • May 27, 2024

“The wind blows north," Dad had to shout, “from Normandy, over the Channel, smacks into these cliffs and alley-oop, a thermal updraft! Perfect for kites!"

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell