Definition

Noun: A game played with a young child, typically by an adult, in which the adult hides their face (as behind their hands) and then suddenly reveals it while saying "boo!" or "peekaboo!", to the child's amusement.

Usage

The word "peekaboo" functions exclusively as a noun referring to the name of this specific interactive game. It is used to describe the activity itself. * Playing peekaboo helps babies understand object permanence. * Her favorite game is peekaboo. * The baby giggled during a round of peekaboo.

Advanced Usage

• As a modifier: "Peekaboo" can be used attributively before another noun to describe a style or effect reminiscent of the game's sudden revealing action.
  • She wore a dress with a peekaboo lace sleeve. (A sleeve designed to partially reveal the skin beneath.)
  • The website uses a peekaboo menu that appears when you scroll.

Variants and Related Words

• Peek-a-boo: An alternative, hyphenated spelling of the word.
• Boo: The exclamation often used in the game, which can also function as a noun or verb meaning to surprise someone by saying "boo".

Synonyms

• Hide-and-seek: While this is a related children's game, it is typically more structured and played by older children who physically hide, unlike the facial hiding of peekaboo.

Noun

1. a game played with young children; you hide your face and suddenly reveal it as you say boo!