al·ley¹ / ˈalē/ • n. (pl. -leys) a narrow passageway between or behind buildings. ∎  a path lined with trees, bushes, or stones. ∎  a long, narrow area in which games such as bowling are played. ∎  Tennis either of the two areas of the court between the doubles sideline and the singles or service sideline. ∎  Baseball the area between the outfielders in left center or right center field.PHRASES: up one's alley (or right up one's alley) inf. well suited to one's tastes, interests, or abilities.al·ley² (also al·ly) • n. (pl. -leys) a toy marble made of marble, alabaster, or glass.

alley.
1. Allée, or long straight garden-walk, usually with trees on each side.

2. Walk in a garden bordered with trees, shrubs, or bushes, or in a maze.

3. Long, narrow area for open-air games.

4. Aisle.

5. Pedestrian passage between houses or walls.

6. Passage between rows of seats, as in a church.

alley2, ally toy marble. XVIII. Familiar dim. (see -Y6) of ALABASTER. Cf. the similar use of LG., Du. albast.

alley1 walk, passage. XIV. — OF. alee (mod. allée), f. aller walk, go :- L. ambulāre walk.