I-spy Definition

I-spy
noun

1. A game in which someone chooses an object in view and the other players have to guess which object it is, with only its initial letter as a clue.

Etymology: 18c.

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spy
noun spies

1. Someone who is employed by a government or organization to gather information about political enemies, competitors, etc.

Thesaurus: undercover agent, double agent, emissary, scout, wire-tapper, plant (slang).
2. Someone who observes others in secret.

verb spies, spied, spying

intr
1. To act or be employed as a spy.
2. To catch sight of someone or something; to spot.

Thesaurus: view, behold, descry, glimpse, notice, observe, spot, see, discover.

Derivative: I-spy

See separate entry.

Idiom: spy in the cab

colloq
The lorry drivers' name for the tachograph.

Idiom: spy in the sky

colloq
An information-gathering satellite or aircraft.

Etymology: 13c: from French espier.

Phrasal Verb: spy on someone or something

To keep a secret watch on them or it.

Phrasal Verb: spy someone or something out

To discover or uncover them or it.To make a detailed inspection of them or it.