peep sight

American

noun

a plate containing a small hole through which a gunner peeps in sighting.

peep sight British

noun

an adjustable rear gun sight with a narrow aperture through which the target and the front sight are aligned when aiming

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of peep sight

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The Peep Show It�s rare that you find a peep sight with any additional features.

From Time Magazine Archive

The rifle, which has a peep sight and range and windage adjustments, is so accurate that a reasonably good shot can hit a thumbnail-sized target at 30 feet.

From Time Magazine Archive

Another improvement in the new British rifle is its aperture peep sight, replacing the v-sight long peculiar to the British Army.

From Time Magazine Archive

Repeat the above exercise, using the peep sight.

From Manual of Military Training Second, Revised Edition by Moss, James A. (James Alfred)

There are two kinds of sights on the rear sight leaf, the open and peep sight.

From The Plattsburg Manual A Handbook for Military Training by Ellis, Olin Oglesby

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023