Definition of peak
1 : a pointed or projecting part of a garment; especially : the visor of a cap or hat The cap's peak shades his eyes.
2 : promontory a steep rocky peak
3 : a sharp or pointed end the peak of a roof
4a (1) : the top of a hill or mountain ending in a point the fog hung … heavily on the peak of the hill — H. D. Skidmore (2) : a prominent mountain usually having a well-defined summitb : something resembling a mountain peak Beat the cream until it forms stiff peaks.
5a : the upper aftermost corner of a fore-and-aft sailb : the narrow part of a ship's bow or stern or the part of the hold in it
6a : the highest level or greatest degree a singer at the peak of her popularityb : a high point in a course of development especially as represented on a graph The graph shows that murders in the city reached a peak two years ago.
7 : widow's peak
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Examples of peak in a Sentence
a line of rocky peaks
the peak of the roof
The recipe says to beat the cream until it forms soft peaks.
At her peak she was writing a new novel every year.
Violence reached a peak just before the election.
The graph shows that murders in the city declined from a peak of 173 in 2004.
Origin and Etymology of peak
perhaps alteration of pike
First Known Use: 15th century
Synonym Discussion of peak
Other Geology Terms
anthracite, boulder, cwm, erratic, igneous, intrusive, mesa, sedimentary, silt, swale
peak
Definition of peak
intransitive verb
: to reach a maximum (as of capacity, value, or activity) —often used with out
transitive verb
: to cause to come to a peak, point, or maximum
Origin and Etymology of peak
see 1peak
First Known Use: 1887
peak
Definition of peak
: being at or reaching the maximum peak levels peak output; also : of, relating to, or being a period of maximum intensity or activity peak business hours
Examples of peak in a Sentence
The factory has been running at peak capacity for the past year.
the peak season for fishing
Origin and Etymology of peak
see 1peak
First Known Use: 1903
peak
Definition of peak
intransitive verb
1 : to grow thin or sickly
2 : to dwindle away
Origin and Etymology of peak
origin unknown
First Known Use: 1605
peak
Definition of peak
transitive verb
1 nautical : to set (a gaff, a yard, etc.) nearer the perpendicular
2 rowing : to hold (oars) with blades well raised
Origin and Etymology of peak
from apeak held vertically
First Known Use: 1626
PEAK Defined for English Language Learners
peak
playDefinition of peak for English Language Learners
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: the pointed top of a mountain
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: a tall mountain with a pointed or narrow top
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: something that looks like a pointed top of a mountain
peak
Definition of peak for English Language Learners
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: at the highest point or level
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: filled with the most activity
PEAK Defined for Kids
peak
playDefinition of peak for Students
1 : a prominent mountain We saw a snowy peak rising from the plain.
2 : the pointed top of a hill or mountain I climbed all the way to the peak.
3 : a sharp or pointed end The roof rises to a peak.
4 : the highest point of development He is at the peak of his career.
Learn More about peak
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See words that rhyme with peak Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for peak Spanish Central: Translation of peak Nglish: Translation of peak for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of peak for Arabic speakers
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