bowling alley

American  

[boh-ling al-ee] / ˈboʊ lɪŋ ˌæl i /

noun

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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Etymology

Origin of bowling alley

First recorded in 1545–55

Example Sentences

"We're losing what was the Arches to become a bowling alley in the centre of Glasgow," says Lynne.

From BBC • Dec. 26, 2025

Today, it continues to serve as Murphy’s main residence, offering an array of extravagant amenities, including a full-size indoor bowling alley, a private movie theater, a sport court, and a glittering swimming pool.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 24, 2025

The incident, beside a bowling alley and near Mount Vernon High School’s football stadium, took less than half an hour.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 17, 2025

Weekend tourists can grab a taco at the Red Dog Saloon, browse locally made natural bath products at Xeba Botanica, bowl in a historic bowling alley or explore the Berber-meets-cowboy store Soukie Modern.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 10, 2025

Every Saturday all the Japanese Americans for many miles around met at a bowling alley in the middle of the state.

From "Kira-Kira" by Cynthia Kadohata