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

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Etymology

Origin of bowling alley

First recorded in 1545–55

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

bowling alley

Jeff Olson, a bowling alley owner who backed separation, saw some benefits.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 20, 2026

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

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

“Hey, I’m coming to the bowling alley with my dad on Saturday,” he says easily, like we’re best friends.

From "Blended" by Sharon M. Draper

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