peephole: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1neutral
Quick answer
What does “peephole” mean?
A small hole in a door or wall through which one can look, typically from the inside to the outside, often for security or privacy.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small hole in a door or wall through which one can look, typically from the inside to the outside, often for security or privacy.
Any small opening or aperture that allows a limited, secret, or one-way view; metaphorically, a means of gaining a restricted or voyeuristic insight into a private situation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is standard in both varieties. British English occasionally uses 'spyhole' as a synonym, but 'peephole' is dominant.
Connotations
Identical in both: security, privacy, caution.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English, but common in both.
Grammar
How to Use “peephole” in a Sentence
[Verb] + through + [peephole] (e.g., look/peer/stare through)[Verb] + [peephole] + [Preposition] (e.g., install/fit a peephole in/on)[Have] + [peephole] (e.g., have a peephole)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; may appear in property management or hotel safety descriptions.
Academic
Rare; possible in architectural, security, or sociological texts discussing privacy and surveillance.
Everyday
Common in contexts of home/apartment security, hotel rooms, and changing rooms.
Technical
Used in locksmithing, door hardware, and security system specifications.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “peephole”
- Spelling as two words: 'peep hole' (correct: 'peephole' or 'peep-hole').
- Confusing with 'keyhole', which is specifically for a key.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is typically written as one word ('peephole'), though the hyphenated form ('peep-hole') is occasionally seen.
A peephole is for looking through, while a keyhole is specifically the hole where a key is inserted into a lock.
No, 'peephole' is exclusively a noun. The related verb is 'peep' or 'peek'.
Yes, 'spyhole' is a less common but understood synonym in British English.
A small hole in a door or wall through which one can look, typically from the inside to the outside, often for security or privacy.
Peephole is usually neutral in register.
Peephole: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpiːp.həʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpiːp.hoʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a peephole into (e.g., The documentary offered a peephole into their private lives.)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'PEEP' (to look secretly) + 'HOLE' (an opening). You PEEP through a HOLE.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIMITED KNOWLEDGE IS A RESTRICTED VIEW (e.g., The data gives us only a peephole into market trends.)
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a peephole?