aisle definition - Dictionary

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aisle [ īl ] (plural aisles)

noun

Definition:

1. passageway between seats: a passageway between areas of seating, especially in a church, theater, or passenger vehicle

2. passageway between goods: a passageway between stacks or displays of goods, especially in a supermarket or warehouse

3. division in church: an area of a church separated from the nave or central area by pillars, especially one forming a passage between seats

[14th century. < Old French ele "wing" < Latin ala, influenced by isle and, later, French aile "wing"]

go or walk down the aisle to get married (informal)

rolling in the aisles laughing very heartily (informal)

Spelling Note


	aisle or isle? Do not confuse the spelling of aisle and isle, which sound similar. An aisle is a passageway, for example, in a church or supermarket: The bride walked down the aisle. Isle is a literary word for a small island that is also sometimes used in place names: the Isle of Wight.