pee

¹ American  

[pee] / pi /

noun

plural

pees, pee

1. the letter p.

2. British. penny.

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pee ² American  

[pee] / pi /

verb (used without object)

peed, peeing

1. to urinate.

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noun

1. urine.

2. the act of urinating.

pee British  

/ piː /

verb

1. (intr) to urinate

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noun

1. urine

2. the act of urinating

Etymology

Origin of pee¹

Middle English pe (< Old French ) < Latin pē < Greek peî pi ¹

Origin of pee²

First recorded in 1875–80; euphemism for piss, using initial letter

Explanation

Pee is an informal but common word that means "to urinate." Of all the slang words for bodily functions, this is one of the least offensive. Though it's not very naughty to talk about peeing or taking a pee, this term is a little childish. However, saying "I have to take a peepee!" or "My dog is going number one" are even more childish. No one will blink when you say you have to pee, but they're probably not thrilled to get this information either. Unless something in particular about peeing needs to be discussed, it's best to just say, "I have to go to the bathroom."

Example Sentences

Near the Pee Dee River that runs through the Carolinas, George began working for a white landowner until, he recalls, a “hue and cry found me out.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

You can substitute Pee Wee Herman for Williams and still hear the same thing.

From Salon • May 29, 2025

Out come characters like Donna Germaine, the sweetly hapless real estate agent of “Pee Pee Manor,” and Fifi, the saloon singer of “Our Home Out West,” a parody of 1970s Christmas specials.

From New York Times • Feb. 27, 2024

“Stories, ideas, opinions, life experience - so much to share. He brought joy. Your talents were many&wonderful. And Pee Wee was a delight.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 31, 2023

“I’m ready for a black president. But I don’t think the nation is,” Pee said.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie