spy
speye
Spy (noun) means a person who secretly gathers information about others, often for a government or rival organization. Example: “In the film, a spy hides secret messages inside library books.”
noun
1
A person who secretly gathers information about others, often for a government or rival organization.
"In the film, a spy hides secret messages inside library books."
"Nobody suspected that the quiet clerk was really a spy for another country."
"The novel follows a Cold War spy working undercover in Berlin."
verb
1
To secretly watch or gather information on someone.
"He was caught spying on his neighbours through a gap in the hedge."
"Some companies spy on their rivals to learn about future products."
"The agency was accused of spying on foreign diplomats."
2
To catch sight of something, often unexpectedly.
"Through the binoculars I could spy a tiny boat far out at sea."
"From the hilltop we could spy the sea shimmering in the distance."
"She spied a familiar face in the crowd."
How to use spy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who secretly watches or collects information, or the act of doing so; can also just mean to spot something.
Common pairings
spy on someone
spy a chance
secret spy
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Word forms
- Plural
- spies
- Third person singular
- spies
- Past tense
- spied
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
In the film, a _____ hides secret messages inside library books.
Etymology
From Old French espier, "to spy," from a Frankish root meaning "to look" or "to see" — related to modern German spähen.
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “spy” mean?
The word “spy” means a person who secretly gathers information about others, often for a government or rival organization. In plain terms, someone who secretly watches or collects information, or the act of doing so; can also just mean to spot something.
How do you pronounce “spy”?
“Spy” is pronounced speye (/spaɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “spy” in a sentence?
Here is “spy” used in a sentence: “The novel follows a Cold War spy working undercover in Berlin.”
What is another word for “spy”?
Words with a similar meaning to “spy” include espial, espy, ghost, intelligencer, secret agent and spook.
What part of speech is “spy”?
Depending on how it is used, “spy” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “spy” come from?
The word “spy” comes from Old French. From Old French espier, "to spy," from a Frankish root meaning "to look" or "to see" — related to modern German spähen.
Is “spy” a common word?
“Spy” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “spy” have?
“Spy” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who secretly gathers information about others, often for a government or rival organization.
What is the difference between a "spy" and a "detective"?
A "spy" secretly gathers information about others, often for a government or rival organisation, and works undercover. A "detective" investigates crimes or gathers facts, often openly and within the law. The spy's work depends on secrecy and disguise.
What is the difference between a "spy" and a "mole"?
A "spy" is anyone who secretly collects information. A "mole" is a specific kind of spy who is planted inside an organisation, appears loyal to it, but secretly works for another side. Every mole is a spy, but not every spy is a mole.
What is the difference between "spy" and "secret agent"?
"Spy" and "secret agent" both describe someone who secretly gathers intelligence, and they are often used interchangeably. "Secret agent" tends to sound more formal or dramatic, while "spy" is the plainer, everyday word.
How do you use "spy on" someone?
The verb "spy" is usually followed by "on" when it takes an object, as in "They spied on their neighbours." "Spy on someone" means to secretly watch or gather information about them. Without "on," "spy" can also mean simply to catch sight of something.
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