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

See Examples For:

bowling alley

Bowlero’s intent to own every 32-lane bowling alley in America is about profit, obviously, but it’s also about the pursuit of a different class of participant.

From Salon ● Jul. 3, 2026

A man has been charged with several offences after a car crashed through the wall of a bowling alley in Derbyshire.

From BBC ● Jun. 14, 2026

Another spot that would make for an enjoyable birthday celebration is Highland Park Bowl, the oldest functioning bowling alley in L.A.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 20, 2026

It also had three kitchens, five bars, two wine cellars, a four-lane bowling alley, a helipad, a gym, a wellness center, a gaming area and an 85-foot-long infinity pool.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 17, 2026

There it lay, a game for him to win, a vast bowling alley in the cool morning.

From "Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury