spy

//spaɪ//
B1Frequency Level 9Neutral
Visual representation of spy

Noun

spySingular
spiesPlural
1

A person employed by a government or organization to secretly obtain information about enemies or competitors.

The spy gathered secret information about the enemy's plans.

2

A person who watches others secretly.

My little brother is such a spy—he always watches what I'm doing.

Verb

spyInfinitive
spyPresent tense
spiedPast tense
spiedPast participle
spyingPresent participle
spiesThird-person singular
1

To work as a spy, gathering secret information about another country or organization.

He was caught spying for a foreign government.

2

To watch someone or something secretly.

She spied on her neighbors through the window.

3

To catch sight of; to notice or discover.

I spied a small café on the corner of the street.