noun
galley
GA-lee
noun
1
The kitchen area on a ship or aircraft.
"The flight attendants prepared meals in the galley."
"The ship's galley was cramped but efficient."
2
A long, low, oar-powered ship historically used in the Mediterranean.
"Ancient galleys relied on rows of oarsmen for speed in battle."
3
In printing, a proof copy of text set in type before final layout.
"The editor marked corrections on the galley proof."
How to Use Galley
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA ship's or plane's kitchen, an old oar-powered warship, or a preliminary print proof.
Common pairings
galley proof
galley slave
ship's galley
Word Forms
galleys plural, gallies plural, Galleys plural
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Etymology
From Old French galee, ultimately from a Byzantine Greek word possibly related to a term for a small shark or dogfish, referencing the ship's sleek shape.