peep

Meanings

1. 1verbintransitive

   To take a quick look, especially secretly or through a small opening.

   Grammar: Usually followed by a preposition: peep through the keyhole.

   Patterns

   • peep through something
   • peep out of something
   • peep around something

   The children peeped through the curtains at the snow.

   She peeped around the door to see if he was asleep.

   The moon peeped out from behind the clouds.

2. 2nounsingular

   A quick, often secret look.

   Grammar: Used with a: take a peep.

   Patterns

   • take a peep
   • have a peep

   Take a peep inside the box.

   I had a quick peep at the presents.

3. 3nouncountable

   A short, weak, high sound, such as a young bird makes.

   Grammar: Can be counted: a peep, many peeps. Often in negatives: not a peep.

   Patterns

   • not a peep
   • hear a peep from someone

   We heard the peep of chicks in the barn.

   The room was so quiet that you could not hear a peep.

   He never made a peep during the lecture.

4. 4verbintransitive

   To make a short, weak, high sound, like a small bird.

   Grammar: No object: the chicks peeped.

   The chicks peeped hungrily in the nest.

   A small bird peeped in the hedge.

Word forms

Common combinations

peep through

He peeped through the hole in the fence.

peep out

The sun peeped out after the rain.

take a peep

Let me take a peep at your drawing.

not a peep

The baby hasn't made a peep all night.

Synonyms and how they differ

glance

A quick look that is not necessarily secret or through a gap.

peek

Almost identical, but often used for a quick look at something hidden or covered.

peer

Means to look closely, often with difficulty, rather than briefly and secretly.

Opposites

Word family

peephole noun

a small hole you can look through

peeper noun

a person who peeps

Commonly confused: peep or peek? peep or peer?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “peep”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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