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.

---

peer group British  

noun

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

---

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.)

---

Etymology

Origin of peer group

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

peer group

Abbie is treasurer of peer group Menstrual Health Support, and says the consensus among members is the tests were a "side-step" rather than a step forward.

From BBC ● Jul. 12, 2026

“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

Out of its peer group, D-Wave was by far the biggest gainer last year, meaning the stock has limited room to run.

From Barron's ● Jun. 30, 2026

Over the past three years, 90% of Vanguard’s active bond funds performed in the top half of their peer group, the company said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 11, 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