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.

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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

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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

Like a neighborhood bar or a bowling alley, the internet was a place you could reliably go to have fun and occasionally learn something from semi-strangers who shared your interests.

From Salon ● Aug. 23, 2026

It has its own bowling alley and two swimming pools.

From BBC ● Jun. 8, 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

Stephens remem-bered seeingjockeys in hill road-work attire gathering at a bowling alley, so lathered that sweat spouted from their shoes with each step.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand