Alleyway

An alleyway is a narrow passageway, often between buildings, typically accessible to pedestrians and sometimes vehicles. They're often less well-maintained than main streets, frequently characterized by a secluded or enclosed feeling. Historically, alleyways served as access points for services like deliveries and refuse collection, and occasionally housed less desirable activities. They can vary greatly in width, length, and condition, from meticulously paved, well-lit passages to dimly lit, rough-surfaced routes, playing roles from private spaces to public areas depending on their setting and accessibility. Often, they're associated with a distinct urban character, lending a feeling of mystery or a connection to a city's hidden aspects and providing alternate routes for travel.

Alleyway meaning with examples

• The flickering gaslight cast long, dancing shadows down the narrow alleyway. The pungent aroma of stale garbage and distant cooking wafted from the dimly lit passage as Sarah hurried toward her hidden rendezvous point. It was her only way to cut across town safely, avoiding the busy marketplace with her clandestine letter.
• Graffiti artists transformed the otherwise drab alleyway into an outdoor gallery with vibrant murals. Tourists took photographs, captivated by the colorful artwork that brought life to the forgotten space. The alleyway, once overlooked, now became a vibrant hub of creativity and urban expression for everyone to admire.
• The delivery truck cautiously maneuvered through the narrow alleyway, navigating around overflowing trash bins. The driver cursed the poor maintenance, shaking his head as he tried to locate the back entrance of the building. Delivering this load through the alleyway was his only option, despite the tight squeeze.
• A sudden downpour transformed the normally dry alleyway into a rushing river of rainwater. Children, hidden from their parents, used it as a short cut to their hidden clubhouse, enjoying the makeshift stream. They splashed in puddles, unconcerned with being drenched, while the main streets were flooded.