Definition of the word alley

The origin of the word "alley" is thought to have come from the Old French word "alée," meaning "a path or a way." This word is derived from the Latin word "alaia," which was used to describe a branch or a fork in a road. In Middle English, the word "alley" referred to a narrow passage or a lane, often between buildings or through a courtyard. Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to include any narrow, winding path or walkway, such as a pedestrian walkway or a service route. Today, the word "alley" is commonly used to describe a narrow, often poorly lit or neglected passageway, often found in urban areas.