Dictionary
galley
noun gal·ley \ˈga-lē\
: the kitchen of a ship or airplane
: a long, low ship that was moved by oars and sails and that was used in ancient times by the Egyptians, Greeks, and others
plural galleys
Full Definition of GALLEY
1
: a ship or boat propelled solely or chiefly by oars: as a : a long low ship used for war and trading especially in the Mediterranean Sea from the Middle Ages to the 19th century; also : galleass b : a warship of classical antiquity — compare bireme, trireme c : a large open boat (as a gig) formerly used in England
2
: the kitchen and cooking apparatus especially of a ship or airplane
3
a : an oblong tray to hold especially a single column of set type b : a proof of typeset matter especially in a single column before being made into pages
See galley defined for English-language learners
See galley defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Illustration of GALLEY
Origin of GALLEY
Middle English galeie, from Anglo-French galie, galee, ultimately from Middle Greek galea
First Known Use: 13th century
Other Printing Terms
GALLEY Defined for Kids
galley
noun gal·ley \ˈga-lē\
plural galleys
Definition of GALLEY for Kids
1
: a large low ship of olden times moved by oars and sails
2
: the kitchen especially of a ship or an airplane
Learn More About GALLEY
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: galley halfpennyPrevious Word in the Dictionary: galletaAll Words Near: galley
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up galley? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).