Peter

/ˈpiːtə/

Meaning & Definition

proper noun

A male given name derived from the Greek 'petros', meaning 'rock' or 'stone'.

Peter was chosen as the leader of the group due to his strong character.

Used as a shorthand or nickname for someone named Peter.

Hey, Peter, do you want to join us for dinner?

Refers to Saint Peter, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and often regarded as the first Pope.

In many Christian traditions, it is said that Saint Peter holds the keys to heaven.

verb

To diminish or dwindle, especially gradually.

As the day went on, our enthusiasm began to peter out.

To fade away or be less vigorous.

The excitement about the event started to peter off as time went by.

Origin uncertain, possibly derived from the name Peter, suggesting a gradual decline.

peter out

to gradually decrease or come to an end

petering

referring to a process of diminishing

to peter away

to become less and less until nothing remains

dwindle

to diminish gradually in size, amount, or strength

fade

to lose brightness or vividness

abate

to become less intense or widespread

a slang term for male genitals

He made a joke about his peter at the party.

to be defeated or to fail

If you keep pushing that hard, you might just peter out.