Peep

/piːp/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A quick or furtive look.
He took a peep at her notes during the examination.
A short, high sound made by a young bird.
We heard the peep of baby birds coming from the nest.
verb
To look quickly or furtively at something.
She decided to peep through the curtains to see who was outside.
To emerge or show oneself slightly.
The sun began to peep out from behind the clouds.
To make a short, high sound, as a chick might.
The baby chick started to peep as it hatched from the egg.

Etymology

Middle English 'pepen', of imitative origin.

Common Phrases and Expressions

take a peep:
To look quickly at something.
peep show:
A type of entertainment where people view something in private.
peep through:
To look through a narrow opening.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

To check out someone or something.
I'm going to peep that new movie this weekend.
An informal way to refer to someone looking at something.
She peeped at my phone while I was texting.