peep
peep Lexical Profile
peep Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A quick, furtive, or partial look at something, especially through a narrow opening.
"The children took a quick peep at the wrapped presents under the tree."
A feeble, high-pitched sound made by a young bird or mouse, or a slight utterance, complaint, or sound from a person.
"The exhausted toddlers went straight to bed without a single peep."
The first brief appearance of something, especially daylight or dawn.
"The fishermen set out from the harbor at the first peep of day."
North American Any of several small North American sandpipers of the genus Calidris, such as the least sandpiper or semipalmated sandpiper, commonly seen foraging in flocks along mudflats and sandy shores.
"We used binoculars to watch a flock of peeps darting along the wet sand at low tide."
• verb
To look quickly and furtively at something, especially through a narrow opening or from a concealed location.
"She peeped through the keyhole to see if the guests had arrived."
To emerge or become partially visible from a concealed place.
"Early spring crocuses were beginning to peep through the melting snow."
To make a short, high-pitchedchirping or squeaking sound (especially of a young bird, chick, or mouse).
"The newly hatched chicks peeped softly under the warmth of the heat lamp."
• Rhymes for peep
Word Origin & Etymology
In the sense of making a high-pitched sound, the word dates to the late 14th century and is of imitative origin, echoing the chirping of young birds. The sense of looking furtively emerged in the mid-15th century, likely as an alteration of Middle English 'piken' (to peek or peer).