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

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

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

Then, with no transition whatsoever, I found myself back in the bowling alley game room, standing in front of the Black Tiger game.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline