allée

noun

al·​lée ä-ˈlā How to pronounce allée (audio)
a-
variants or less commonly allee
plural allées also allees
: a straight walkway or passage lined on both sides with trees or tall shrubs that are usually of the same species
Forty-four trees were planted to form the allée or formal garden promenade …Winston-Salem (North Carolina) Journal
In the late spring, this allée is resplendent in shades of pink and rose when the crabapple trees are in bloom.Theresa Forte
Now, instead of coming in from the back of the property, visitors arrive through an allée of ancient, towering oaks—a breathtaking approach that gives the manor even more grandeur.Margaret Russell
Lining the allee which leads to them [sculptures] he has planted red-leafed maple trees.Robert Amos

Word History

Etymology

French, from Middle French alee — more at alley

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of allée was in 1759

Dictionary Entries Near allée

Cite this Entry

“Allée.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/all%C3%A9e. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on allée

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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