Peeping Tom

noun

-ˈtäm How to pronounce Peeping Tom (audio)
Synonyms of Peeping Tomnext
: a pruriently prying person : voyeur
Peeping Tomism
-ˈtä-ˌmi-zəm How to pronounce Peeping Tom (audio)
noun

Examples of Peeping Tom in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Argentine choreographer Gabriela Carrizo makes her debut directing opera and utilizes her alarmingly vibrant Belgian dance company, Peeping Tom. — Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 5 Aug. 2026 In May, three men were charged in connection with a Peeping Tom incident at an apartment complex located near Towson University. — Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 9 June 2026 Certainly one of the best films about filmmaking since François Truffaut’s Day for Night, The Beloved might be the scariest since Peeping Tom. — Damon Wise, Deadline, 16 May 2026 Think Hitchcock’s Rear Window, Polanski’s The Tenant, Haneke’s Caché, Coppola’s The Conversation and Powell’s Peeping Tom for starters, or at the more delectably lurid end of the spectrum, De Palma’s Body Double and Dressed to Kill. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for Peeping Tom

Word History

Etymology

Peeping Tom, legendary citizen of Coventry who watched Lady Godiva riding naked

First Known Use

1769, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Peeping Tom was in 1769

Rhymes for Peeping Tom

See All Rhymes for Peeping Tom

Browse Nearby Words

peephole
Peeping Tom
peeps
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Peeping Tom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Peeping%20Tom. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

peeping Tom

noun
peep·​ing Tom
ˌpē-piŋ-ˈtäm
: a person who spies into the windows of private dwellings
Word Origin
According to an ancient English legend, the lord of the town of Coventry had burdened the citizens with heavy taxes. His wife, Lady Godiva, was constantly urging the lord to lower the taxes. Finally he promised to do away with the taxes, but only if Lady Godiva would ride naked on a horse through the town. Wanting to help the townspeople, Godiva agreed and made the ride, covered only by her very long hair. For their part, the people decided to stay in their homes and not look at her nakedness. However, a tailor named Tom could not resist the temptation to peep at her. For this, it is said, he was struck blind. He is remembered as "Peeping Tom," and his name is used for a person who sneakily peeps at the private activities of others.

More from Merriam-Webster on Peeping Tom

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Peeping Tom

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