spyhole: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1informal, neutral
Quick answer
What does “spyhole” mean?
A small hole, usually in a door, through which one can look discreetly from inside to see who is outside.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small hole, usually in a door, through which one can look discreetly from inside to see who is outside.
Any small aperture designed for secret or discreet observation, or a metaphorical point of restricted, peering view into something.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is understood but less common in American English, where 'peephole' is the standard term. In British English, 'spyhole' is a common, though somewhat informal, alternative.
Connotations
In BrE, it can sound slightly more informal or direct than 'peephole'. In AmE, it may sound British or old-fashioned.
Frequency
Higher frequency in British English; low frequency in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “spyhole” in a Sentence
look through [the spyhole]peer through [the spyhole][the spyhole] is coveredinstall [a spyhole] in [the door]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spyhole” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not standard as a verb.
American English
- Not standard as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not standard as an adverb.
American English
- Not standard as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not standard as an adjective.
American English
- Not standard as an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except perhaps in security or property management contexts (e.g., 'All apartment doors should have a spyhole.').
Academic
Very rare; technical terms like 'aperture' or 'observation port' would be used in relevant fields.
Everyday
Common in domestic security contexts, especially in British English.
Technical
In security or optics, more precise terms like 'door viewer', 'optical door scope', or 'fisheye viewer' are used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “spyhole”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “spyhole”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spyhole”
- Using 'spy hole' as two separate words (should be a closed or hyphenated compound). Confusing it with 'keyhole'. Using it as a verb (to spyhole is not standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is typically written as one closed compound word: 'spyhole'. The hyphenated form 'spy-hole' is less common but acceptable.
No, 'to spyhole' is not a standard verb. Use phrases like 'look through the spyhole' or 'peer through the peephole'.
A spyhole (or peephole) is for looking through. A keyhole is the hole where you insert a key to unlock a lock. They serve completely different purposes.
No, it is neutral to informal. In formal or technical writing (e.g., security specifications), terms like 'door viewer' or 'optical viewer' are preferred.
A small hole, usually in a door, through which one can look discreetly from inside to see who is outside.
Spyhole: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspaɪ.həʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspaɪ.hoʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[not an idiom, but can be used metaphorically] 'a spyhole into their private world'”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SPY needing a HOLE to look through secretly.
Conceptual Metaphor
RESTRICTED VISION IS A SMALL HOLE (e.g., 'The report gave us only a spyhole into the company's finances.')
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most common American English equivalent for 'spyhole'?