galley

American  

[gal-ee] / ˈgæl i /

noun

plural

galleys

1. a kitchen or an area with kitchen facilities in a ship, plane, or camper.

2. Nautical.

   1. a seagoing vessel propelled mainly by oars, used in ancient and medieval times, sometimes with the aid of sails.

   2. a long rowboat, as one used as a ship's boat by a warship or one used for dragging a seine.

   3. (formerly, in the U.S. Navy) a shoal-draft vessel, variously rigged, relying mainly on its sails but able to be rowed by sweeps.

3. Printing.

   1. a long, narrow tray, usually of metal, for holding type that has been set.

   2. galley proof.

   3. a rough unit of measurement, about 22 inches (56 centimeters), for type composition.

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galley British  

/ ˈɡælɪ /

noun

1. any of various kinds of ship propelled by oars or sails used in ancient or medieval times as a warship or as a trader

2. the kitchen of a ship, boat, or aircraft

3. any of various long rowing boats

4. printing

   1. (in hot-metal composition) a tray open at one end for holding composed type

   2. short for galley proof

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Other Word Forms

• galleylike adjective

Etymology

Origin of galley

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English galei(e), from Old French galee, galie, perhaps from Old Provençal galea, from Late Greek galéa, galaía

Example Sentences

The galley kitchen has a countertop with seats, stainless appliances, and a glossy marble floor.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 21, 2025

He urges athletes to choose window seats in the middle of the aircraft, away from the most-trafficked areas—the front, where everyone enters, and the rear, near the galley and the lavatories.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 5, 2025

I found myself reaching for books like Priya Parker’s “The Art of Gathering,” “Family Meal” by Ferran Adrià, and the galley for Hetty Lui McKinnon’s upcoming “Linger.”

From Salon • Oct. 14, 2025

The plane's owners said it offered passengers "super size comfort" including "8 leather club seats, a full size bed, fully stocked galley and cabin sound system".

From BBC • Jul. 22, 2025

“A four-oared galley, did you say?” said I.

From "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens