peep
The definition of a peep is a small sound or word, or a quick look.
(noun)- An example of a peep is the sound of a chick.
- An example of a peep is a single word.
- An example of a peep is to look inside a box containing a present.
To peep is to make a high-pitched sound, or to look through a small space.
(verb)- An example of to peep is for a chick to make a sound.
- An example of to peep is to make a small sound in fear.
- An example of to peep is to look through a keyhole.
See peep in Webster's New World College Dictionary
intransitive verb
- to make the short, high-pitched cry of a young bird or chick; chirp; cheep
- to utter a sound or speak in a small, weak voice, as from fear
Origin: ME pepen: orig. echoic
noun
- a short, high-pitched sound; chirp; cheep
- the slightest vocal sound: heard not a peep from him
intransitive verb
- to look through a small opening or from a place of hiding
- to peer slyly or secretly; take a hasty, furtive look
- to come into view; show or appear gradually or partially, as though from hiding: stars peeped through the clouds
Origin: ME pepen, ? akin to piken, peek
transitive verb
noun
- a brief, hasty look or restricted view; secret or furtive glimpse or glance
- the first appearance; crack, as of dawn
See peep in American Heritage Dictionary 4
intransitive verb peeped, peep·ing, peeps
- To utter short, soft, high-pitched sounds, like those of a baby bird; cheep.
- To speak in a hesitant, thin, high-pitched voice.
- A short, soft, high-pitched sound or utterance, like that of a baby bird.
- A slight sound or utterance: I don't want to hear a peep out of you.
- Any of various small North American sandpipers.
Origin:
Origin: Middle English *pepen
Origin: , probably alteration of pipen
Origin: , from Old English pīpian, to pipe
Origin: , from pīpe, tube, musical instrument
Origin: , and from Latin pīpāre, to peep; see pipe
.verb peeped, peep·ing, peeps verb, intransitive
- To peek furtively; steal a quick glance.
- To peer through a small aperture or from behind something.
- To appear as though emerging from a hiding place: the moon peeping through the clouds.
- A quick or furtive look or glance.
- A first glimpse or appearance: the peep of dawn.
Origin:
Origin: Middle English pepen
Origin: , perhaps alteration of piken, to peek; see peek
.Learn more about peep
