peter
1to diminish gradually and stop; dwindle to nothing; gradually come to an end (usually followed by out or away): The criticism seems to have petered out.The hearings petered to an inevitable conclusion.
to tire; become exhausted (usually followed by out): I began to peter out after walking about 2 miles.
Origin of peter
1Other definitions for peter (2 of 4)
Origin of peter
2Other definitions for peter (3 of 4)
a signal for an echo.
Origin of peter
3Other definitions for Peter (4 of 4)
Also called Simon Peter. died a.d. 67?, one of the 12 apostles and the reputed author of two of the Epistles.
either of these two Epistles in the New Testament, I Peter or II Peter.
a word formerly used in communications to represent the letter P.
a male given name.
Origin of Peter
4Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use peter in a sentence
Peters again complies, stepping aside and raising both hands.
But in the next instant, Peters is stepping back to the table and snatching up the knife.
Paramedics appeared moments later and set to work on Peters, but he later died at the hospital.
Peters qualified as an “expert” on the M16A1 in 1993 and the .38 revolver in 1995.
The (Sloppy) Swift-Boating of Michigan Democrat Gary Peters | Tim Mak | October 13, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTThe RealClearPolitics poll average for the race, meanwhile, has Peters up by 7.8 percentage points.
The (Sloppy) Swift-Boating of Michigan Democrat Gary Peters | Tim Mak | October 13, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Peters was also there, packing up the personal effects of the dead man preparatory to vacating the apartment.
In the Onyx Lobby | Carolyn WellsI learned it off a master-singer, ole Anse Peters, up in God's country whar men are men—en the women are glad of it.
David Lannarck, Midget | George S. HarneyPeters's treaty was dated the 1st of March 1890: Jackson concluded another in April.
And so staid without a good while, and saw my Lady Peters, an impudent jade, soliciting all the Lords on her behalf.
Diary of Samuel Pepys, Complete | Samuel PepysThe first success of this mission of Hugh Peters and his colleagues soon appeared.
The Loyalists of America and Their Times, Vol. 1 of 2 | Egerton Ryerson
British Dictionary definitions for peter (1 of 4)
/ (ˈpiːtə) /
(intr; foll by out or away) to fall (off) in volume, intensity, etc, and finally cease: the cash petered out in three months
Origin of peter
1British Dictionary definitions for peter (2 of 4)
/ (ˈpiːtə) bridge whist /
to play a high card before a low one in a suit, usually a conventional signal of a doubleton holding or of strength in that suit
the act of petering
Origin of peter
2British Dictionary definitions for peter (3 of 4)
/ (ˈpiːtə) /
a safe, till, or cash box
a prison cell
the witness box in a courtroom
mainly US a slang word for penis
Origin of peter
3British Dictionary definitions for Peter (4 of 4)
/ (ˈpiːtə) /
Saint. Also called: Simon Peter. died ?67 ad, a fisherman of Bethsaida, who became leader of the apostles and is regarded by Roman Catholics as the first pope; probably martyred at Rome. Feast day: June 29 or Jan 18
either of two epistles traditionally ascribed to Peter (in full The First Epistle and The Second Epistle of Peter)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Cultural definitions for Peter
Chief among the Twelve Apostles of Jesus, he was a fisherman, originally named Simon (and often called Simon Peter). Jesus gave him the name Rock, of which “Peter” is a translation. Peter showed great faith but also exhibited great failings (see Get thee behind me, Satan). In the frightening hours before the Crucifixion, Peter three times denied being a follower of Jesus, just as Jesus had predicted he would. Nevertheless, Peter went on to become the leader of the early Christians (see also Christian) (see Pentecost), thus fulfilling another prophecy of Jesus, who had said of Peter, “Upon this rock I will build my church.... And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven.”
Notes for Peter
Notes for Peter
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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