alleyway

noun

al·​ley·​way ˈa-lē-ˌwā How to pronounce alleyway (audio)
Synonyms of alleywaynext
1
: a narrow passageway
2
: alley sense 3

Examples of alleyway in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Characters rush out to sea, assume new identities, push their enemies off cliffs, kiss in alleyways, pull treasure out of the earth. — Literary Hub, 4 June 2026 Detectives reviewed surveillance footage, which showed a white SUV entering the alleyway. — Alexa Newsom, Kansas City Star, 22 June 2026 From the Detroit Riverfront to Campus Martius and even some of the city's alleyways, Detroit has become home to spaces designed for people to gather, connect and spend time. — Hannah McIlree, CBS News, 24 June 2026 Aurora police on Wednesday arrested a man suspected of fatally shooting a 25-year-old during an argument in an alleyway earlier this month, department officials said. — Katie Langford, Denver Post, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for alleyway

Word History

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of alleyway was in 1788

Rhymes for alleyway

See All Rhymes for alleyway

Browse Nearby Words

alley-oop
alleyway
All-father
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Cite this Entry

“Alleyway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alleyway. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on alleyway

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for alleyway

Nglish: Translation of alleyway for Spanish Speakers

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