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peer
1[ peer ]
/ pɪər /
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verb (used without object)
to look narrowly or searchingly, as in the effort to discern clearly.
to peep out or appear slightly.
to come into view.
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Origin of peer
1First recorded in 1560–70; perhaps a variant of appear
synonym study for peer
1. See peep1.
OTHER WORDS FROM peer
peer·ing·ly, adverbWords nearby peer
Peeping Tom, peeps, peep show, peep sight, peepul, peer, peerage, Peerce, peeress, peer group, Peer Gynt
Other definitions for peer (2 of 2)
peer2
[ peer ]
/ pɪər /
noun
a person of the same legal status: a jury of one's peers.
a person who is equal to another in abilities, qualifications, age, background, and social status.
something of equal worth or quality: a sky-scraper without peer.
a nobleman.
a member of any of the five degrees of the nobility in Great Britain and Ireland (duke, marquis, earl, viscount, and baron).
Archaic. a companion.
Origin of peer
2First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English per, from Old French per, from Latin pār “equal, an equal, partner”
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use peer in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for peer (1 of 2)
peer1
/ (pɪə) /
noun
a member of a nobility; nobleman
a person who holds any of the five grades of the British nobility: duke, marquess, earl, viscount, and baronSee also life peer
- a person who is an equal in social standing, rank, age, etc
- (as modifier)peer pressure
archaic a companion; mate
Word Origin for peer
C14 (in sense 3): from Old French per, from Latin pār equal
British Dictionary definitions for peer (2 of 2)
peer2
/ (pɪə) /
verb (intr)
to look intently with or as if with difficultyto peer into the distance
to appear partially or dimlythe sun peered through the fog
Word Origin for peer
C16: from Flemish pieren to look with narrowed eyes
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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