peep

1 of 4

verb (1)

ˈpēp 

peeped; peeping; peeps

intransitive verb

1

: to utter a feeble shrill sound as of a bird newly hatched : cheep

2

: to utter the slightest sound

peep

2 of 4

noun (1)

1

: a feeble shrill sound : cheep

2

: a slight utterance especially of complaint or protest

3

: any of several small sandpipers

peep

3 of 4

verb (2)

peeped; peeping; peeps

intransitive verb

1

a

: to peer through or as if through a crevice

b

: to look cautiously or slyly

2

: to begin to emerge from or as if from concealment : show slightly

transitive verb

1

: to put forth or cause to protrude slightly

2

slang : to have a look at : see, watch

peep

4 of 4

noun (2)

1

: a first glimpse or faint appearance

at the peep of dawn

2

a

: a brief look : glance

b

: a furtive look

Synonyms of peep

Verb (1)

• chirp

Noun (2)

• peek
• glimpse
• glance
• look

Examples of peep in a Sentence

Verb (1)

the baby peeps and burbles when her mother picks her up

Noun (2)

stole a peep at our neighbor's new pool

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Imagine waking up early, eager to peep dazzling carpets of brilliant orange flowers at the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve. —Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2026

Austin police have arrested a 59-year-old man accused of stalking and peeping into windows in a series of incidents across the city, authorities said Monday. —Dante Motley, Austin American Statesman, 23 Mar. 2026

Noun

Of note, for protein peeps, the very same burger is offered as The Naked Burger at Russell’s brunch. —Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2026

Fox accessorized with black patent leather peep-toe platform heels with an ankle strap and a pair of black oval sunglasses. —Lara Walsh, InStyle, 16 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

Middle English pepen, of imitative origin

Verb (2)

Middle English pepen, perhaps alteration of piken to peek

First Known Use

Verb (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Noun (2)

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing peep

• peep show
• peep sight

Rhymes for peep

• beep
• cheap
• creep
• deep
• heap
• jeep
• keep
• leap
• reap
• seep
• sheep
• sleep

Kids Definition

peep

1 of 4 verb

ˈpēp 

1

: to make a feeble shrill sound as of a bird newly hatched

2

: to speak with a small weak voice

peep

2 of 4 noun

: a quick high-pitched sound

peep

3 of 4 verb

1

: peek sense 2, peer

2

: to show slightly

crocuses peeping through the snow

peep

4 of 4 noun

1

: the first appearance

the peep of dawn

2

: a brief or sly look

Etymology

Verb

Middle English pepen "to peep, make the sound of a young bird"; the word began as an imitation of the sound made by a young bird

Verb

Middle English pepen "to peek," an altered form of earlier piken "to peek"

Medical Definition

PEEP

abbreviation

positive end-expiratory pressure