Skip to main content

spy — a person who secretly watches and reports on others, especially for a government

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: a person who secretly watches and reports on others, especially for a government

Pronunciation (IPA): /spaɪ/

Example Sentences

  • The spy hid behind a newspaper with two holes cut out for eyes.
  • Mom always knows when I eat cookies - she must be a spy!
  • I spy with my little eye something beginning with 'B'.

spy

NOUN

[/spaɪ/]

a person who secretly watches and reports on others, especially for a government

a figure in a dark coat carefully photographs classified documents with a small hidden camera while looking over their shoulder nervously. The spy quickly slides papers back into place after capturing the information. A security guard walks down the hallway in the background, completely unaware of the infiltration. The spy presses against the wall, hiding the camera equipment as footsteps approach. Other office workers continue their normal duties while the covert operation happens right under their noses.  a person who secretly watches and reports on others for a government or organization
💡 Concept

a figure in a dark coat carefully photographs classified documents with a small hidden camera while looking over their shoulder nervously. The spy quickly slides papers back into place after capturing the information. A security guard walks down the hallway in the background, completely unaware of the infiltration. The spy presses against the wall, hiding the camera equipment as footsteps approach. Other office workers continue their normal duties while the covert operation happens right under their noses. a person who secretly watches and reports on others for a government or organization

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/spaɪ/
🇬🇧 UK/spaɪ/

🌳Etymology

Rootspy

Origin

The word derives from Old French espier, which has Germanic roots. Originally meaning 'to watch' or 'to observe', it evolved into the modern sense of a person employed to gather secret information.

Breakdown

Old French espier (to watch, observe) → Middle English spy, with the Germanic root related to 'seeing' or 'spying out' information.

🎵Rhyme

fly
try
cry
sky
pie

🔗Collocations

spy on someone
secret spy
spy network
spy camera
government spy
spy movie

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“The spy hid behind a newspaper with two holes cut out for eyes.”

😄 Fun example

“Mom always knows when I eat cookies - she must be a spy!”

“I spy with my little eye something beginning with 'B'.”

“The detective spied the suspect through the window.”

📚Related Words

Want to master 27,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.