a state formally cooperating with another for a military or other purpose

debate continued among NATO allies

combine or unite a resource or commodity with (another) for mutual benefit

he allied his racing experience with his father's business acumen

a narrow passageway between or behind buildings

he took a short cut along an alley

there were a few muggings in the backstreets and alleys

a long, narrow area in which games such as skittles and bowling are played

a skittle alley

a toy marble made of marble, alabaster, or glass