Peekaboo

//ˈpikəbu// adj, intj, noun, verb

adj, intj, noun, verb ·Uncommon ·Advanced level

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A game for a small child in which one covers one's face, then suddenly reveals it, saying "Boo!" or "Peekaboo!". uncountable
  2. 2
    a game played with young children; you hide your face and suddenly reveal it as you say boo! wordnet
Verb
  1. 1
    To peep out. intransitive

    "A spike of white bone peekabooed through the flesh of his wrist and blood spurted."

Adjective
  1. 1
    With holes, slits or transparent fabric to reveal what is normally hidden. not-comparable

    "The model was wearing a peekaboo swimsuit."

  2. 2
    Being or using a style of boxing with the hands kept close to the face to defend it. not-comparable

    "peekaboo boxing"

Intj
  1. 1
    Boo (when showing oneself unexpectedly).

    "“The Sire is the oldest living vampire in the world.” “He's the vampire from which all other vampires have descended.” “All of them.” “Do not ever open this door.” “Peekaboo.” (growling)"

Example

More examples

"When I play peekaboo with my baby, he stops crying immediately."

Etymology

From peek + -a- + boo.

Related phrases

Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.