peel

verb

\ ˈpēl

How to pronounce peel (audio)

\

peeled; peeling; peels

Definition of peel

(Entry 1 of 4)

transitive verb

1 : to strip off an outer layer of peel an orange

2 : to remove by stripping peel the label off the can

intransitive verb

1a : to come off in sheets or scales The paint is peeling.

b : to lose an outer layer (as of skin) His face is peeling.

2 : to take off one's clothes it got hotter … you had to peel to get relief— L. M. Uris

3 : to break away from a group or formation —often used with off Like corals, the branches of sponges can peel off and reestablish themselves as new colonies. Natural History

peel

noun (1)

Definition of peel (Entry 2 of 4)

1 : the skin or rind of a fruit or vegetable banana/lemon/potato peels

2 : a thin layer of organic material that is embedded in a film of collodion and stripped from the surface of an object (such as a plant fossil) for microscopic study

3 : chemical peel

peel

noun (2)

Definition of peel (Entry 3 of 4)

: a usually long-handled spade-shaped instrument that is used chiefly by bakers for getting something (such as bread or pies) into or out of the oven

peel

noun (3)

Definition of peel (Entry 4 of 4)

: a medieval small massive fortified tower along the Scottish-English border

— called also peel tower

Other Words from peel Synonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing peel Learn More About peel

Examples of peel in a Sentence

Verb They peeled back the sheet to display the new sculpture. She got sunburned and her back is peeling.

First Known Use of peel

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (3)

1726, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for peel

Verb and Noun (1)

Middle English pelen, from Anglo-French peler, from Latin pilare to remove the hair from, from pilus hair

Noun (2)

Middle English pele, from Anglo-French, from Latin pala

Noun (3)

Middle English (Scots) pel, from Middle English, stockade, stake, from Anglo-French, stake, from Latin palus — more at pole

Buying Guide

Redecorate with peel and stick wallpaper selected by our Reviews team.

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Dictionary Entries Near peel

peel

Peel

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Cite this Entry

“Peel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peel. Accessed 9 Aug. 2022.

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More Definitions for peel

peel

verb

\ ˈpēl

\

peeled; peeling

Kids Definition of peel

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : to strip off the skin or bark of I'm peeling apples.

2 : to strip or tear off He peeled off his clothes down to his swimming trunks …— Virginia Hamilton, M. C. Higgins the Great

3 : to come off smoothly or in bits The paint is peeling.

peel

noun

Kids Definition of peel (Entry 2 of 2)

: an outer covering and especially the skin of a fruit

peel

transitive verb

\ ˈpēl

\

Medical Definition of peel

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : to strip off an outer layer of

2 : to remove (as skin or a blemish) by stripping

intransitive verb

1 : to come off in sheets or scales sunburned skin peels

2 : to lose an outer layer (as of skin) his face is peeling

peel

noun

Medical Definition of peel (Entry 2 of 2)

: chemical peel

Peel biographical name

\ ˈpēl

\

Definition of Peel

(Entry 1 of 2)

Sir Robert 1788–1850 English statesman

Peel

geographical name

\ ˈpēl

\

Definition of Peel (Entry 2 of 2)

river 425 miles (684 kilometers) long in northwestern Canada rising in western Yukon (territory) and flowing east and north into the Mackenzie River

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