peephole

[ peep-hohl ]

noun

1. a small hole or opening through which to peep or look, as in a door.

peephole

/ ˈpiːpˌhəʊl /

noun

1. a small aperture, such as one in the door of a flat for observing callers before opening

Word History and Origins

Origin of peephole¹

First recorded in 1675–85; peep ¹ + hole

Example Sentences

He heard a knock on his door, looked out the peephole and saw “at least 20 police officers with guns drawn.”

From New York Times

He then heard a second, "very aggressive knock" but did not see anyone when he looked through the peephole.

From BBC

A few minutes later, Fortson heard a louder knock but didn’t see anyone when he looked through the peephole, Crump said, citing the woman’s account.

From Seattle Times

The woman said she heard a knock on her door after her husband had left for work that morning, looked through the peephole and saw a man, later identified as Lai, holding an Amazon box and clipboard, according to the charges.

From Seattle Times

Stretched onto my tippy toes, I peeked through the peephole.

From Literature