peak
1the pointed top of a mountain or ridge.
a mountain with a pointed summit.
the pointed top of anything.
the highest or most important point or level: the peak of her political career.
the maximum point, degree, or volume of anything: Oil prices reached their peak last year.
a time of the day or year when traffic, use, demand, etc., is greatest and charges, fares, or the like are at the maximum: Early evening is the peak on commuter railroads.
the higher fare, charges, etc., during such a period: If you fly during the Christmas holidays, you'll have to pay peak.
Physics.
the maximum value of a quantity during a specified time interval: a voltage peak.
the maximum power consumed or produced by a unit or group of units in a stated period of time.
a projecting point: the peak of a man's beard.
a projecting front piece, or visor, of a cap.
Phonetics. nucleus (def. 8a).
Nautical.
the contracted part of a ship's hull at the bow or the stern.
the upper after corner of a sail that is extended by a gaff.
the outer extremity of a gaff.
to project in a peak.
to attain a peak of activity, development, popularity, etc.: The artist peaked in the 1950s.
Nautical. to raise the after end of (a yard, gaff, etc.) to or toward an angle above the horizontal.
Also on-peak . being at the point of maximum frequency, intensity, use, etc.; busiest or most active: Hotel rooms are most expensive during the peak travel seasons.
being at the height of trendiness, public notice, etc: We have reached peak “exercise dress”—women are gravitating toward sporty, stretchy skort-dresses for everyday wear.
being the most perfect embodiment of something: Peak Gemini energy on display as our kid takes one lick off everyone’s cone, because she likes all the ice cream flavors.
Origin of peak
1Other words for peak
Opposites for peak
Other words from peak
- peak·less, adjective
- peak·like, adjective
Words that may be confused with peak
Other definitions for peak (2 of 2)
to become weak, thin, and sickly.
Origin of peak
2Other words from peak
- peakish, adjective
- peak·ish·ly, adverb
- peak·ish·ness, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use peak in a sentence
Unfortunately, dozens of pyramids are missing their peaks thanks to an overeager, gold-seeking explorer.
Wingsuit pilot Joby Ogwyn has climbed — and flown off — the highest peaks on the planet.
The tomb, though much smaller than the palace, is similarly a vision of ornate twists, arches, and peaks.
The Postman Who Built a Palace in France…by Hand | Nina Strochlic | November 20, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTWithout Obama on the ballot, minority turnout can be expected to decline from its 2008 and 2012 peaks.
But did you see parallels between Twin Peaks and True Detective… …[Laughs] No, no, no.
David Lynch on Transcendental Meditation, ‘Twin Peaks,’ and Collaborating With Kanye West | Marlow Stern | October 6, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
See how those distant peaks rise serenely over the southern horizon!
On that account they make many feasts, and at night light many fires on many peaks.
In addition to the above natural wonders, there are numerous mineral springs, canyons, mountain peaks and deep gorges.
Hallowed Heritage: The Life of Virginia | Dorothy M. TorpeyThe land between this and Cape Grafton is high, and towards the north has several remarkable peaks.
A light breeze fanned his face, and all around him he could see mountain peaks pushing upward into the clear blue sky.
Motor Matt's "Century" Run | Stanley R. Matthews
British Dictionary definitions for peak
/ (piːk) /
a pointed end, edge, or projection: the peak of a roof
the pointed summit of a mountain
a mountain with a pointed summit
the point of greatest development, strength, etc: the peak of his career
a sharp increase in a physical quantity followed by a sharp decrease: a voltage peak
the maximum value of this quantity
(as modifier): peak voltage
Also called: visor a projecting piece on the front of some caps
See widow's peak
the pointed end of a beard
nautical
the extreme forward (forepeak) or aft (afterpeak) part of the hull
(of a fore-and-aft quadrilateral sail) the after uppermost corner
the after end of a gaff
(tr) nautical to set (a gaff) or tilt (oars) vertically
to form or reach or cause to form or reach a peak or maximum
of or relating to a period of highest use or demand, as for watching television, commuting, etc: peak viewing hours; peak time
Origin of peak
1Derived forms of peak
- peaky or peakish, adjective
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
Browse