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

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

He gave it a name—the SuperPretzel—and he wouldn’t end his workday until he had made at least one sale, even if it meant stopping by a bowling alley or convenience store on the way home.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 19, 2026

It has its own bowling alley and two swimming pools.

From BBC ● Jun. 8, 2026

Aerosmith producer Jack Douglas rescued the group from obscurity after catching Cheap Trick’s act at a bowling alley in Waukesha, Wis. Impressed, he offered to help.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 17, 2026

But apparently I’m desperate, because whenever Theresa’s mom doesn’t need her to help with baby Rocky, we take Natalie down to the bowling alley in the Officers’ Club.

From "Al Capone Does My Shirts" by Gennifer Choldenko