peeling

American  

[pee-ling] / ˈpi lɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of a person or thing that peels.

2. that which is peeled from something, as a piece of the skin or rind of a fruit.

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peeling British  

/ ˈpiːlɪŋ /

noun

1. a strip of skin, rind, bark, etc, that has been peeled off

   a potato peeling

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• unpeeling
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of peeling

First recorded in 1555–65; peel ¹ + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Perhaps the biggest downside of garlic is the prep work: peeling and mincing individual cloves can be a nuisance even for the everyday home cook.

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2026

Previously, thin layers of MoSe2 were created using exfoliation -- a method similar to peeling layers off a crystal with adhesive tape.

From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026

Graham was caught offside following the restart, however, and Jack Crowley kicked to the corner, with Sheehan peeling off the resultant maul to score.

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026

“Every situation is slightly different, and you have to start peeling the onion,” Smith said.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 11, 2026

“I’ll let him know,” I said, peeling my legs off the porch planks.

From "The Line Tender" by Kate Allen

Related Words

• crust
• husk
• skin