peer group

American  

noun

1. a group of people, usually of similar age, background, and social status, with whom a person associates and who are likely to influence the person's beliefs and behavior.

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peer group British  

noun

1. a social group composed of individuals of approximately the same age

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peer group Cultural  

1. A group of people who share certain social characteristics, such as age, class, occupation, or education, and interact on a level of equality. An individual may be a member of several peer groups, including friends, schoolmates, and coworkers. Peer groups are important in socialization, as individuals attempt to conform to the expectations of their peer groups. (See conformity and peer pressure.)

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Etymology

Origin of peer group

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

NextEra as a standalone company is still the nation’s biggest utility, with targeted annual earnings-per-share growth of 8% or more, on the high end of its peer group.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

“The reality is that, on average, after the age of 80, 5 percent of your peer group die every year,” Scott told me.

From Slate • Mar. 30, 2026

This recent weakness could offer investors a compelling opening to pick up the stock at a discount to its tech peer group.

From Barron's • Feb. 5, 2026

"It was quite emotional because this was my peer group I was looking after and seeing," said the now 66-year-old.

From BBC • Nov. 29, 2025

When you’re giving evidence in court, you’re unlikely to address the judge with “yaknowwhamean?”; and conversely the language you use in court would cause your peer group back on the street to fall about laughing.

From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith