spyholes

Covert observation apertures

Spyholes are small openings that allow someone to look through without being seen from the other side.

The term usually refers to peepholes in doors—those tiny lenses that let you see who's knocking before you open up: She checked the spyhole before answering.

The word can also describe any aperture used for covert observation.

doors

peephole

Door-mounted viewing lens

viewerOne who observes visually
door viewerSmall lens showing visitors
securityProtection from threat

lens · fisheye · apartment · hotel · chain lock · knocker · deadbolt · threshold · entry · visitor

surveillance

observation

Attentive watching or remark

monitoringOngoing observation of something
covertIntentionally concealed
watchingActively looking at something

concealed · hidden camera · two-way mirror · interrogation · detection · clandestine · intelligence · stakeout · peeping · voyeur

architecture

aperture

Adjustable optical inlet

openingGap or start
slotNarrow slit for insertion
wallVertical enclosing structure

partition · barrier · medieval · castle · fortification · murder hole · arrow slit · observation post · bunker · lookout

theatrical

stage

Raised performance platform

curtainFabric hung for privacy
backdropRear stage scenery
wingLimb enabling flight

actor · audience · cue · peek · backstage · greenroom · performance · theater · fourth wall · scenery

Opposites

visibility and openness

spyholespicture windows

Large fixed glass panels

floor-to-ceiling windows · glass walls · panoramic windows · bay windows · display windows

size and scale of aperture

spyholespicture windows

Large fixed glass panels

sliding glass doors · bay windows · cathedral windows · garage doors · hangar doors

purpose and intent

spyholesopen windows

Unsealed glazed wall gaps

two-way mirrors · blank walls

Family

spyhole

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G