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

For middle school and high school students, the department offers enrichment camps, peer groups and support programs, which provide academic and social-emotional support.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From BBC

“The position in the peer group is really important,” Odenbring says.

From Washington Post

The company said Cook’s pay package for 2023 is around the 80th or 90th percentile “relative to our primary peer group for future years.”

From Washington Post

The company plans to to position Cook’s annual target compensation between the 80th and 90th percentiles relative to its primary peer group for future years, according to the filing.

From Seattle Times