Aisle

Table of contents

1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Noun

English

Etymology

OF. ele, F. aile, wing, wing of a building, L. ala, contr. fr. axilla.

Pronunciation

IPA: WEAE /ˈaɪ.l̩/

Noun

1. (Architecture) (a) A lateral division of a building, separated from the middle part, called the nave, by a row of columns or piers, which support the roof or an upper wall containing windows, called the clearstory wall. (b) Improperly used also for the have;—as in the phrases, a church with three aisles, the middle aisle. (c) Also (perhaps from confusion with alley), a passage into which the pews of a church open.
2. a long narrow passage (as in a cave or woods)
3. passageway between seating areas as in an auditorium or passenger vehicle or between areas of shelves of goods as in stores