peer-to-peer

American  

[peer-tuh-peer] / ˈpɪər təˈpɪər /

adjective

1. involving direct contact or exchange between individuals of a similar rank or position; person-to-person: P2P

   Studies have shown that peer-to-peer tutoring increases student performance across a range of subjects.

2. describing a computer network in which each node has the capacity to act as a server for all other nodes, allowing the exchange of information without a centralized server. P2P

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peer-to-peer British  

adjective

1.  P2P.  (of a computer network) designed so that computers can send information directly to one another without passing through a centralized server

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Etymology

Origin of peer-to-peer

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

peer-to-peer

Our guest is a hardworking, well-groomed Model Y Premium RWD that I hooked up with through Turo, the peer-to-peer car-sharing platform.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 22, 2026

Checkout sites from a fraudulent website will often ask for payment in the form of cryptocurrency, peer-to-peer payment systems or cash apps.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 11, 2026

Yes, but users should choose a VPN that supports peer-to-peer traffic and has a firm no-logs policy.

From Salon ● Jun. 10, 2026

He adds that many regular people on the platforms aren't really gambling peer-to-peer but "against a load of hedge funds who are going to eat their lunch."

From BBC ● May 21, 2026

What is a poor peer-to-peer network to do?

From The Public Domain Enclosing the Commons of the Mind by James Boyle