peer-to-peer

American  

[peer-tuh-peer] / ˈpɪər təˈpɪər /

adjective

1. involving direct contact or exchange between individuals of a similar rank or position; person-to-person: P2P

   Studies have shown that peer-to-peer tutoring increases student performance across a range of subjects.

2. describing a computer network in which each node has the capacity to act as a server for all other nodes, allowing the exchange of information without a centralized server. P2P

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peer-to-peer British  

adjective

1.  P2P.  (of a computer network) designed so that computers can send information directly to one another without passing through a centralized server

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Etymology

Origin of peer-to-peer

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

peer-to-peer

PayPal in the late 1990s allowed peer-to-peer trade on an unprecedented scale but drew swindlers, so its founders developed a digital system to detect fraud.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 29, 2026

Checkout sites from a fraudulent website will often ask for payment in the form of cryptocurrency, peer-to-peer payment systems or cash apps.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 11, 2026

Yes, but users should choose a VPN that supports peer-to-peer traffic and has a firm no-logs policy.

From Salon ● Jun. 10, 2026

He adds that many regular people on the platforms aren't really gambling peer-to-peer but "against a load of hedge funds who are going to eat their lunch."

From BBC ● May 21, 2026

A person who uses a peer-to-peer system that no one else uses is in the position of the person who owns the only fax machine in the world.

From The Public Domain Enclosing the Commons of the Mind by Boyle, James