WordGarden.iopeek
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /pˈiːk/
US
- /ˈpik/
Meanings
Verb
to look quickly or secretly at something, often from a partly hidden place
to appear slightly or come partly into view
Noun
a quick or secret look
Beyond the definition
Imagine you're building a fort with blankets and pillows. You might peek around the edge to see if your mom is coming before she discovers your cozy hideaway. To peek means to take a quick, often secret, look at something. It is not a long stare. It is just a fast glance.
You can peek at a present before your birthday, though you probably should not, or peek through the curtains to see if it is raining. Sometimes, things peek out from under other things, like a shy sunbeam coming out from behind the clouds. The word often carries a feeling of curiosity and a little sneakiness.
To peek means to look at something quickly and quietly, usually because you are curious or do not want to be seen. It is more than just looking. It suggests a short, careful glance, like trying to see something for a moment without drawing attention. For example: "The children tried to peek at their Christmas presents," or "She peeked through the keyhole to see who was there."
Peek can also describe something appearing briefly and becoming partly visible. Think of a shy animal peeking out from behind a tree, or the moon peeking through the clouds. In these cases, it is not about someone looking. Instead, it describes something showing itself for a moment.
The word often brings a sense of playfulness, curiosity, and sometimes mischief. It is often used with secrets, surprises, or hidden things. Unlike "stare," which suggests looking for a long time, peek is quick and brief. You might peek at your phone during a boring meeting, but you would not stare at it the whole time.
So, whether you're trying to catch a glimpse of something hidden or describing something briefly appearing in view, peek captures that quick, curious moment of partial revelation.
Examples
- 1
Looking outside
She peeked through the curtains to see who was outside.
- 2
Private notes
Don't peek at my notes while I'm writing.
- 3
Around a door
The child peeked around the door and smiled.
- 4
Inside a box
I opened the box and peeked inside.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Casual request
Can I take a quick peek at the photos?
- Phrasetake a peek
have a quick look
- 6
Partial visibility
A little sunlight peeked out from behind the clouds.
- Phrasepeek out
become partly visible
- 7
Entertainment preview
The studio released a sneak peek of the new series.
- Phrasea sneak peek
an early look at something before it is officially shown
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- peeknounverb
Forms
- peeking-ing formverbnoun
- peekedpast tenseverbnoun
- peeksverbnoun