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

See Examples For:

peer group

“I feel like I was the same peer group growing up with her, and am just so happy that she had her happy ending,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 3, 2026

A Ford spokesman said Farley’s pay reflects overall results, adding that the company’s total return, including dividends, of 42% beat the market and its automaker peer group, while Ford had record revenue.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 22, 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

I was no longer young for my peer group, nor did I walk around in gray sweatshirts with unlit cigarettes in my mouth.

From "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom