Aisle Meaning and Definition
Aisle
Pronunciation
/aɪl/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A long, narrow passageway between rows of shelves or counters in a store, serving for the passage of customers.
Examples
- The store’s aisles were clearly marked for easy navigation.
- The shopping cart was stuck in the narrow aisle.
Synonyms
- Passage
- Walkway
Antonyms
- Hub
- Center
Additional Information
Aisles are a crucial part of retail spaces, providing customers with easy access to products and helping to reduce congestion. In addition to physical stores, aisles can also be found in supermarkets, libraries, and other public areas. They are designed to be wide enough for pedestrians to pass each other comfortably, typically ranging between 3 and 5 feet in width.
In modern retail, aisles are often digitally marked or equipped with technology to enhance the shopping experience. For instance, some stores use electronic shelf labels to display prices and product information, while others incorporate self-checkout kiosks and cashless payment systems to streamline transactions.
Etymology
The word “aisle” originated from the Old French word “isle”, meaning “isle” or “island”. It was later adopted into Middle English as “isle”, referring to a narrow passage or corridor. Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to include a physical space between shelves in a store.
Usage Notes
Aisles can be used in different contexts, such as:
- In a store: “The product was tucked away in an aisle on the top shelf.”
- In a library: “The aisle between the fiction and non-fiction sections was bustling with activity.”
- In a public space: “The mall’s central aisle was blocked off for construction.
Cultural References
Aisles have been referenced in various forms of media, including:
- Music: “Aisle 5” by the punk rock band Thursday
- Film and Television: Aisle 5 is a recurring location in the TV show “Mad Men”
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Some common phrases related to aisles include:
- “Lost in the aisle”: when someone is confused or disoriented in a store
- “Aisle of despair”: when something is difficult or overwhelming
Related Words or Phrases
Other words and phrases related to aisles include:
- Entrance
- Exit
- Shelf
- Row
Collocations
Aisles often collocate with words such as:
- Customers
- Products
- Shelves
- Signs
Frequency of Use
Aisles are commonly used in modern language, particularly in retail and commercial contexts. According to the Corpus of Contemporary American English, the word “aisle” is used over 300 times per million words.
Common Misspellings
Some common misspellings of the word “aisle” include:
- Aisle’s
- Ails
- Isle