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

They have plans to build housing behind the bowling alley.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 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

On Dec. 27, 2022, the couple got into an argument after they went to a bowling alley, according to the release.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 4, 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