Aisles

/ˈaɪlz/ noun

Definition

Long narrow passages between rows of seats or shelves, such as in a theater, airplane, church, or grocery store.

Etymology

From Old French aisle (wing or side), possibly from Latin ala. The word entered English in the 1600s and originally referred to the side portions of a church, then expanded to any narrow walkway between rows.

Kelly Says

The phrase 'walking down the aisle' at a wedding comes from church architecture—the center aisle was traditionally used for processional paths. Supermarkets deliberately design aisles to make you travel further through the store, using spatial psychology to encourage more purchases.

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