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

For torrenting and peer-to-peer file sharing, a VPN can safeguard users’ identities and activity, making file sharing safer and more secure.

From Salon ● Jun. 10, 2026

Last year, the megabanks explored a joint stablecoin consortium through the Clearing House, as well as Early Warning Services, the operator of the peer-to-peer payment system Zelle, the Journal first reported.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 4, 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

Volume from Venmo, the peer-to-peer payment platform, accelerated to reach 14% in the latest quarter.

From MarketWatch ● May 5, 2026

Ask the software company producing expensive, specialized computer-assisted design programs costing thousands of dollars what happens when the program is made available on a "warez" site or a peer-to-peer filesharing network.

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