bowling alley

American  

[boh-ling al-ee] / ˈboʊ lɪŋ ˌæl i /

noun

bowling alleys plural

1. a building or enclosed area containing a number of lanes or alleys for the game of bowling.

2. any of these long, narrow wooden lanes or alleys.

---

bowling alley British  

noun

1. 1. a long narrow wooden lane down which the ball is rolled in tenpin bowling

   2. a similar lane or alley, usually with raised sides, for playing skittles (ninepins)

2. a building having several lanes for tenpin bowling

---

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• bowling alleys
  plural

Etymology

Origin of bowling alley

First recorded in 1545–55

Example Sentences

On Saturday, MFA Bowl said the bowling alley would remain closed "until further notice".

From BBC • Jun. 14, 2026

He marveled at their bowling alley and Dolby Atmos-equipped movie theater.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

I’ve celebrated my birthday at a go-kart racing track and a bowling alley.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 20, 2026

In 2024, workers said, the company hosted a Christmas party that featured a cash bar at a local bowling alley.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

I look at the two long tables in the middle with the bowling alley tops.

From "A High Five for Glenn Burke" by Phil Bildner