plural galleys
Synonyms of galleynext
1
: a ship or boat propelled solely or chiefly by oars: such as
a
: a long low ship used for war and trading especially in the Mediterranean Sea from the Middle Ages to the 19th century
also : galleass
b
: a warship of classical antiquity compare bireme, trireme
c
: a large open boat (such as a gig) formerly used in England
2
: the kitchen and cooking apparatus especially of a ship or airplane
3
a
: an oblong tray to hold especially a single column of set type
b
: a proof of typeset matter especially in a single column before being made into pages

Illustration of galley

Illustration of galley
  • galley 1a

Examples of galley 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.
There’s also a galley, or kitchen. Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 1 June 2026 Despite the horrendous vibes in the galley, the evening goes well. Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 26 May 2026 Even aviation insiders like Dean Rotchin, founder of Blackjet, steer clear of the galley brew. Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 7 June 2026 Brien often uses toe-kick drawers to increase storage in galley kitchens where traditional drawers are already maxed out. Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for galley

Word History

Etymology

Middle English galeie, galey, borrowed from Anglo-French galee, galeie (continental Old French galee, galie), borrowed (probably in part via Upper Italian dialects) from Middle Greek galéa, after galéa "the shark Galeorhinus galeus," probably re-formation of Greek galeós, a name for the same fish, of uncertain origin

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of galley was in the 13th century

Cite this Entry

“Galley.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/galley. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

plural galleys
1
: a large low ship of olden times moved by oars and sails
2
: the kitchen especially of a ship or airplane

More from Merriam-Webster on galley

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster