espy

verb

es·​py i-ˈspī How to pronounce espy (audio)
espied; espying
Synonyms of espynext

transitive verb

: to catch sight of
among the several horses … she espied the white mustang— Zane Grey

Synonyms

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of espy in a Sentence

out of the corner of my eye I espied the squirrel making another raid on the bird feeder
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.
The film’s comedy is built from a series of infinitesimal touches and chance intrusions, as when Édouard, espying Charles in the street, leaps from his seat at a sidewalk café and jostles a waiter bearing drinks. — Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 9 July 2024 Imprisoned by the Duke of Athens, the cousins espy the beautiful Emilia from their cell—and each man falls immediately in love. — Andrea Mays, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English espien, from Anglo-French espier — more at spy

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of espy was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

espy
Esq
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Cite this Entry

“Espy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/espy. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

espy

verb
es·​py is-ˈpī How to pronounce espy (audio)
espied; espying
: to catch sight of
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