alley-oop

[ al-ee-oop ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

interjection

(used as a shout of encouragement, exhortation, or the like, especially when coordinating efforts to lift a heavy object.)

noun

Basketball. a quick-score play in which a high, arching pass is made to a teammate close to the basket, who leaps to catch the ball and in midair drops or stuffs it through the basket.

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of alley-oop¹

First recorded in 1915–20; from French allez-hop; allez, imperative of aller “to go” + hop, variant of houp, an interjection of expressive origin; alley ¹( def ), hoopla ( def )

Word of the Day

April 18, 2024petrichor

[pet-ri-kawr]

Meaning and examples

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

alley light alleyway

Browse