peruse

verb

pe·​ruse pə-ˈrüz 

perused; perusing

transitive verb

1

a

: to examine or consider with attention and in detail : study

b

: to look over or through in a casual or cursory manner

2

: read

especially : to read over in an attentive or leisurely manner

peruser noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Does peruse mean "read in detail"?

Peruse can mean "to read something in a relaxed way, or skim" and can also mean "to read something carefully or in detail." It is what is known as a contronym, a word having two meanings that contradict one another. There are numerous examples of these in English, including sanction, oversight, and dust. If you use peruse simply take care that your intended meaning is made clear by the context.

Does peruse mean "to skim"?

Yes; one of our definitions for peruse is "to skim." However, you should be aware that another of our definitions for this word is "to read something in detail." Some usage guides feel that the ‘"read carefully" sense is correct and that the "skim" sense is not. Both have been in widespread use for some four hundred years.

What is the noun form of peruse?

Peruse is a verb, referring to either the casual or the thorough and detailed examining of something. The related noun meaning "the act or an instance of perusing something" is perusal. Another noun related to peruse is peruser, "one who peruses."

Synonyms

• pore (over)
• read

Examples of peruse in a Sentence

To refresh my memory of the old days, I asked for some Dailies of the thirties from the morgue, sat down at the large round oak table at the end of the editorial room on the second floor, and began riffling through the musty pages. Soon a burly middle-aged man appeared and seated himself at the table to peruse some recent issues of the paper and take notes. —Arthur Miller, Timebends, 1987

I've even found myself idly perusing the Yellow Pages, not frantic for a plumber, just browsing. —Lesley Conger, Writer, October 1968

Bessie asked if I would have a book …  , and I begged her to fetch Gulliver's Travels from the library. This book I had again and again perused with delight. —Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre, 1847

He perused the newspaper over breakfast.

perused the manuscript, checking for grammatical errors

Recent Examples on the Web

The Lopez brothers perused the selection alongside the students, pausing to take photos with anyone who asked. Brook and Robin Lopez, twins, have helped with reading programs before. —Rory Linnane, Journal Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2024

Those who prefer a more relaxing experience with a side of soft adventure can peruse the 70-plus art galleries before or after hiking the scenic Rio Grande Gorge West Rim Trail. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2024

Glen Arbor is another town worth perusing on the way to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, where off M-109 an all-sand, 3.5-mile hike over massive dunes to the Great Lake and back preps hardy hikers for a delicious dinner. —Tanya Wildt, Detroit Free Press, 3 Jan. 2024

Several patrons return weekly to peruse the store’s dedicated horror section — Be Kind’s main attraction and the genre with the most ardent VHS fans, said Matt Landsman, a horror expert who runs the store’s programming. —Reis Thebault, Washington Post, 17 Dec. 2023

Even though Cyber Monday 2023 is officially over, Dermstore is still stocked with deals on luxury skin-care, hair-care, and makeup that are worth perusing. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 28 Nov. 2023

While 2023’s Cyber Week discounts are all worth perusing—who doesn’t want some stellar clothing deals or mattress sales right now?—you’ll find the deepest discounts on big-ticket items in the home department. —Jake Smith, Glamour, 27 Nov. 2023

However, the other two songwriters in the list—Glen Ballard and Brock Walsh—may surprise eagle-eyed music fans who have perused the liner notes of some of their favorite albums from the last six decades or so. —Will Hodge, SPIN, 18 Dec. 2023

There are plenty of other exclusive markdowns to peruse in every department. —Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 16 Dec. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

Middle English, to use up, deal with in sequence, from Latin per- thoroughly + Middle English usen to use

First Known Use

circa 1520, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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Kids Definition

peruse

verb

pe·​ruse pə-ˈrüz 

perused; perusing

: read entry 1 sense 1a

especially : to read carefully or thoroughly

peruser noun