Definition

Noun: 1. A short pornographic film shown in a small coin-operated booth: A peepshow is a type of adult entertainment where a person pays to watch a brief, sexually explicit film or live performance in a private, enclosed booth. 2. An exhibition of pictures or objects viewed through a small hole or magnifying glass: A peepshow is also a device or box containing a series of pictures or a small scene, which can be viewed through a tiny opening, often using a lens to magnify the view. Historically, these were forms of popular entertainment.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Adult Entertainment):

  • The seedy arcade was known for its row of peepshow booths.
  • He spent his last few coins on a peepshow.

• Noun (Optical Device/Exhibition):

  • The antique peepshow contained a charming miniature village scene.
  • Children at the fair were fascinated by the old-fashioned peepshow of exotic lands.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used metaphorically to describe any situation where one gets a brief, illicit, or voyeuristic glimpse of something.
  • The documentary offered a peepshow into the secretive world of high-stakes gambling.

Variants and Related Words

• Peep (verb): To look quickly or secretly, especially through a small opening.
  • He peeped through the keyhole.

Synonyms

• For adult film booth: Adult arcade, coin-operated booth.
• For optical exhibition: Diorama, stereoscope, viewing box.

Related Idioms/Phrases

• A peep into: A brief or secret look at something.
  • The report gave us a peep into the company's future plans. (Note: This uses the root verb "peep," not the compound noun "peepshow").

Noun

1. a short pornographic film shown in a small coin-operated booth
2. an exhibition of pictures or objects viewed through a small hole or magnifying glass