alleyway

Everyday

A narrow path or lane between or behind buildings. tree →

In the lessons

In stories alleyways are often dark, secret or spooky; in safety lessons children are told to avoid dark alleyways alone. Also a short cut in towns.

Examples

• We took the alleyway behind the shops. tree →
• The cat disappeared down the alleyway. tree →
• Stay on the main road, not in dark alleyways. tree →
• The bins are kept in the alleyway. tree →
• The detective followed footprints into the alleyway. tree →
• Our street has an alleyway to the park. tree →

Note

Same as «alley». In northern England you may hear «ginnel» or «snicket»; in Scotland «close» or «wynd».