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Peek vs. Peak vs. Pique
Peek, peak, and pique: they sound the same but mean very different things.
The first one we learn is peek: it has to do with looking, especially furtively or quickly or through a small space, as in "open the box and peek inside." It's both a noun and a verb; when you peek, you take a peek. Our advice for remembering this one is to keep in mind that you peek in order to see.
Peak is the verb you use to talk about reaching a maximum, or coming to a highest point, literally or figuratively, as in "The meteor shower will last for several days but will peak on Sunday." Its noun counterpart, which refers to various pointed or projecting parts, is more common: something that peaks reaches a peak. Just as every mountain has a peak, thinking of the peak—the highest point—is the way to remember that peak is the choice for reaching the highest levels. Associating the "a" in peak with the "a" in maximum or with a capital "A" (the most mountain-like of letters) can be helpful.
Pique is the oddball of this trio. We know the "ique" spelling from the likes of technique, antique, and unique, but pique nonetheless looks a little exotic. It comes from a French word meaning literally "to prick," but its earliest English use was as a noun. The noun is still used: a pique is a transient feeling of wounded vanity—a kind of resentment. As a verb, pique was (and still is, especially in British English) used to mean "to arouse anger or resentment in," as in "Their rudeness piqued me." Now, however, it's most often our interest or curiosity that gets piqued—that is to say, our interest or curiosity is aroused, as in "The large key hanging next on the wall piqued my curiosity."
Pique has another meaning too, though it's less common than any of those already mentioned. Pique sometimes is used to mean "to take pride in (oneself)," as in "She piques herself on her editing skills."
Master this trio, and you can pique yourself on your word skills.
Examples of pique in a Sentence
David Gates, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2002
The posthumous revelation of Cheever's alcoholism, numerous infidelities and bisexuality may have piqued interest precisely because he presented himself so earnestly as the Man in the Brooks Brothers Suit.
—Mary Gordon, New York Times Book Review, 6 Oct. 1991
Some environmentalists worry that the natural behavior patterns of whales are being altered by tourist boats that pique the animals' curiosity.
—Jack McCallum, Sports Illustrated, 21 Aug. 1989
In case your interest is being piqued just an itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny … bit, the Davis Cup will confuse you totally by calling every competition between contending teams a "tie."
—Frank Deford, Sports Illustrated, 11 Apr. 1988
Brightly colored objects pique a baby's interest.
her seat companion piqued her by repeatedly poking her in the ribs
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2026
For her husband, the news of Garrett joining the Rams piqued his interest.
—Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026
For those of you who might have your curiosity piqued by a particular AI mystery, consider reading my prior coverage.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Students were able to take a test flight on an airplane, which helped pique his interest even more.
—Theresa Bourke, Twin Cities, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for pique
Cite this Entry
“Pique.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pique. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
pique
1 of 3 nounpique
2 of 3 verb
