Pronunciation: [ˈalɪ] (IPA) 
The word "alley" is spelled with a double "l", which is pronounced as /l/. The first "a" is pronounced as /æ/, while the second "e" is silent. The sound produced by "alley" is /ˈæli/. The spelling of this word can be confusing as it resembles words like "ally" or "allying", which have different pronunciations. It is important to pay attention to the spelling and pronunciation of the word "alley" to avoid confusion and miscommunication.
An alley is a narrow pathway or passageway, typically situated between two buildings or walls. It is commonly found in urban areas, serving as a secondary route or thoroughfare running parallel to the main streets or roads. Alleys are usually designed with a reduced width compared to regular streets, making them less suitable for vehicular traffic and more appropriate for pedestrians or bicycles.
Traditionally, an alley did not have any form of street lighting, receiving indirect light from adjacent buildings or relying on moonlight as its primary source of illumination. However, modern alleys often have proper lighting infrastructure for safety and convenience.
Often associated with a distinct atmosphere, alleys can evoke a sense of intimacy, mystery, or historical charm. Due to their narrower structure and limited space, alleys often host a variety of activities and urban features that differ from the main streets. These can include entrances to residences or businesses, back entrances to buildings, garages, fire escapes, dumpsters, or even hidden courtyards and gardens.
Moreover, alleys provide a different perspective for exploring urban environments, as they showcase distinct architectural details and offer a unique vantage point not visible from the main roads. From a functional perspective, alleys can assist in facilitating the efficient flow of services such as waste collection, deliveries, or utility maintenance, as they provide discrete access to the rear of properties.
Overall, the concept of an alley encompasses an urban pathway that runs between buildings, often pedestrian-oriented, displaying various urban elements not found on main streets and contributing to the urban fabric and character of a place.
A narrow walk or passage; a close.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "alley" has its origins in Old French. It can be traced back to the French word "alee", which originally meant a path or walkway. The term later evolved to refer to a narrow passageway between buildings or houses, often used as a shortcut or a residential area. Over time, the word "alley" found its way into English and has retained its meaning ever since.
