alleyway

[ al-ee-wey ]

noun

1. an alley or lane.
2. a narrow passageway.

alleyway

/ ˈælɪˌweɪ /

noun

1. a narrow passage; alley

Word History and Origins

Origin of alleyway¹

An Americanism dating back to 1780–90; alley ¹ + way ¹

Example Sentences

A newborn baby was found dead in a Skid Row alleyway after police believe he was dropped from a fourth-floor window Thursday.

From Los Angeles Times

He wants each episode to feel as immersive as possible, which means including surrounding noise like buses honking, a busker singing in an alleyway or a volunteer asking if we have time for gay rights.

From Los Angeles Times

It is one of the most densely populated residential areas in all of Lebanon – a place of narrow streets and alleyways, where buildings seem to jostle for available space.

From BBC

“I’ve seen what they do: the ritualistic behaviors, the drugging, putting girls into suitcases. Dumping them in alleyways, it’s horrifying, and it’s all done under the protection of, ‘This is gonna be paid off.

From Los Angeles Times

He went on to stab her multiple times in an alleyway during an attack that was so frenzied that the kitchen knife snapped.

From BBC

More About Alleyway

What is an alleyway?

An alleyway is a narrow passage between buildings or other structures.

Alleyway can also refer to a narrow path or passage behind a row of houses, such as one that allows access to garages and back yards.

The word alley means the same thing.

Example: We took a shortcut through the narrow alleyway between the shops.

Where does alleyway come from?

The first records of the word alleyway come from the late 1700s. The word alley is first recorded much earlier, in the 1300s, and comes from the Middle French alee, meaning “walk” or “passage,” from verb aler, “to walk.” The word way is used in the same way in similar compound words that refer to a lane or passage, including passageway, walkway, and pathway, all of which can be used as synonyms for alleyway in some cases.

However, while passageway and walkway can refer to indoor passages, alleyway typically refers to one that’s outside. In big cities, alleyways between buildings are often very narrow—wide enough to walk down but not drive. These kinds of alleyways are often depicted as dark, dangerous, or mysterious places—places where dangerous people might be lurking. In reality, they’re usually just places where businesses deposit their garbage in dumpsters.

Did you know ... ?

What are some synonyms for alleyway?

• alley
• lane
• passage
• passageway
• pathway
• walk
• walkway

What are some words that share a root or word element with alleyway? 

• passageway
• pathway
• walkway

What are some words that often get used in discussing alleyway?

• narrow
• long
• dark
• back
• street

How is alleyway used in real life?

Alleyway is most commonly used to refer to the narrow passage between buildings or to the lane behind a row of houses.

hello look at how much progress i’ve made on my little back alleyway over the past few weeks pic.twitter.com/8CkdSrk5jE

— shield volcano fan account (@kingratbaby) May 23, 2020

Before and after! A recently completed alleyway refurbishment in Kensington #AlleywayRefurb #LiverpoolAlleyways #Alleyways #Transformation pic.twitter.com/5MmuSem72e

— Liverpool Alleyway Programme (@LiverpoolAlley1) November 26, 2020

Vivid shades of purple, yellow, and blue weave a stunning tapestry of murals hidden in an alleyway behind a small strip of shops in Lemon Grove. https://t.co/WKscLg63u0

— Atlas Obscura (@atlasobscura) August 14, 2020

 

Try using alleyway!

Is alleyway used correctly in the following sentence? 

Please pull the car around back and park in the alleyway.