peekaboo

noun
peek·​a·​boo | \ ˈpē-kə-ˌbü How to pronounce peekaboo (audio) \

Definition of peekaboo

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: a game for amusing a baby by repeatedly hiding one's face or body and popping back into view exclaiming "Peekaboo!"

peekaboo

adjective

Definition of peekaboo (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : trimmed with eyelet embroidery a peekaboo blouse
2 : made of a sheer or transparent fabric also : revealing usually small areas of skin
3 : offering only limited display or disclosure especially of a teasing sort peekaboo publicity

Examples of peekaboo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

There was Lilah, initiating a joyous game of peekaboo at 6 months, while her sister, then 3, sat on the floor babbling phrases from books and TV shows. Jennifer Rabiner*, Redbook, ""Why Don't I Like My Own Child?"," 10 Nov. 2016 This two-bedroom, one-bathroom home features historic details such as Spanish tile roof trim, an antique peekaboo door knocker and matchstick wooden floors. Bang Staff And Correspondents, The Mercury News, "Sponsored: Charming East End cottage in Alameda," 1 July 2019 The actress sported a skirt set made with rich black leather and scrunched sleeves, along with a matching mini with a peekaboo white lace trim. Vogue, "Chloë Sevigny Perfects the Downtown Slingback," 30 Apr. 2019 Paying homage to the film festival’s Canadian roots, Roberts chose a peekaboo gown design by Dsquared2, run by the Canadian twins Dean and Dan Caten. Christian Allaire, Vogue, "Julia Roberts Made a Statement on the Toronto Film Festival Red Carpet," 9 Sep. 2018 For several good long stretches, Bayona maintains steady, artfully varied suspense and peekaboo games as well as a more interesting batch of supporting characters than these movies usually offer. Michael Phillips, chicagotribune.com, "'Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom' review: Raptors delight while humans make a mess of things," 20 June 2018 Later that week in Paris, she was spotted with another old friend, Sadie Frost, and wore a cinched velvet jacket with a peekaboo leopard-print shirt. Liana Satenstein, Vogue, "Why I Love the New Kate Moss So Much Better Than the ’90s Waif," 25 Jan. 2019 Her final look -- the peekaboo black gown and eye jewelry - is stunning. Stunning. Joey Guerra, Houston Chronicle, "'RuPaul's Drag Race' Season 10 recap: 'American' gurls," 14 June 2018 Her skirt’s black, triangular strip gave it a more modern flair while her hat’s peekaboo flower added an element of fun. Maura Hohman, PEOPLE.com, "Sister Act! See Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie Match Perfectly on 'Ladies Day' at Royal Ascot," 21 June 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

The home is on a ¾-acre site that slopes into open space, allowing for a daylit, finished walk-out lower level, plus an entertainment-sized deck overlooking the hogback ridges and peekaboo views of city lights beyond. Mark Samuelson, The Denver Post, "In South Jeffco’s secluded Ken Caryl Valley, a remodeled home on ¾-acre is open Sunday, Aug. 4," 2 Aug. 2019 Part power suit, part boudoir dressing, the lacy number featured a classic double-breasted jacket in wool silk and a lace skirt with peekaboo panels. Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, "Ashley Graham Redefines Power Dressing in Alexander McQueen," 5 July 2018 In 1993, the actress donned a violet gown with a peekaboo lime green paisley pantsuit. Liana Satenstein, Vogue, "Whoopi Goldberg, Underrated Fashion Icon, Brings Humor to Her Oscars Look," 5 Mar. 2018 For the Met Gala last May, Ms. Dern not only wore a peekaboo navy column dress by Ms. Hearst, but also invited the designer along as her date. Alexis Soloski, New York Times, "What Will Laura Dern Wear to the Golden Globes? (Hint: It Will Be Black)," 6 Jan. 2018 The breeze offered a peekaboo view of the sea through the lush trees. Seattle Times Staff, The Seattle Times, "Maui’s heavenly Hana is more than just a road trip," 7 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'peekaboo.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

See More

First Known Use of peekaboo

Noun

1600, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1895, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for peekaboo

Noun

peek entry 1 + boo entry 1

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for peekaboo

peekaboo

noun

English Language Learners Definition of peekaboo

: a game played with a baby in which you cover and then uncover your face and say "Peekaboo!"