peer

¹

[ peer ]

verb (used without object)

1. to look narrowly or searchingly, as in the effort to discern clearly.
2. to peep out or appear slightly.
3. to come into view.

peer

²

[ peer ]

noun

1. a person of the same legal status:

   a jury of one's peers.

2. a person who is equal to another in abilities, qualifications, age, background, and social status.
3. something of equal worth or quality:

   a skyscraper without peer.

4. a nobleman.
5. a member of any of the five degrees of the nobility in Great Britain and Ireland (duke, marquis, earl, viscount, and baron).
6. Computers. peer-to-peer ( def 2 ).
   1. a network connected to one or more other networks in a way that routes traffic independently between them in a direct exchange of data.
   2. a computer or device that is connected to others in a network, either directly or through a server.
7. Archaic. a companion.

verb (used without object)

1. Computers. (of a network) to be connected with one or more other networks in a way that routes traffic independently between them in a direct exchange of data (usually followed by with ).

peer

¹

/ pɪə /

noun

1. a member of a nobility; nobleman
2. See life peer
   a person who holds any of the five grades of the British nobility: duke, marquess, earl, viscount, and baron See also life peer
3. 1. a person who is an equal in social standing, rank, age, etc
   2. ( as modifier )

      peer pressure

4. archaic.
   a companion; mate

peer

²

/ pɪə /

verb

1. to look intently with or as if with difficulty

   to peer into the distance

2. to appear partially or dimly

   the sun peered through the fog

Word History and Origins

Origin of peer¹

First recorded in 1560–70; perhaps a variant of appear

Origin of peer²

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English per, from Old French per, from Latin pār “equal, an equal, partner”

Word History and Origins

Origin of peer¹

C14 (in sense 3): from Old French per, from Latin pār equal

Origin of peer²

C16: from Flemish pieren to look with narrowed eyes

Synonym Study

See peep ¹.

Example Sentences

While I was busy scoffing at duck-faced selfies, my peers were busy figuring out how to change the world.

From Ozy

In fact, India—far more than its peers—is now getting the worst of both worlds.

From Fortune

Scientists want to peer into the gassy atmosphere of Jupiter, or explore the cold surface of Pluto.

From Science News For Students

One way we can reject this oppressive mindset is by raising it with our peers.

From Fortune

Jackson won the fiver and a career that drew on a realpolitik only hinted at by her more successful peers Gladys Knight and Aretha Franklin.

From Ozy

His explanation only diminishes the irresistible excitement we feel while watching Tony Perkins peer at Janet Leigh in her shower.

From The Daily Beast

Peer-to-peer car rental RelayRides offers vehicles conveniently parked in airport lots.

From The Daily Beast

Over 900 peer-reviewed scientific articles have adduced evidence that anthropogenic climate change is real.

From The Daily Beast

At the summit, Xi had been front and center, seemingly without peer.

From The Daily Beast

Notice how he says it is Gore who rejects “openness” and “peer review.”

From The Daily Beast

To quote Mrs. Kaye, 'A Liberal peer is as useful as a fifth wheel to a coach, and as ornamental as whitewash.'

From Project Gutenberg

The military court appointed to try him declared itself unable to try a peer of France.

From Project Gutenberg

In this gingerly way did the deputies lift the curtain and peer down the road to revolution.

From Project Gutenberg

It goes no further than the denunciation of the peer, and the raising of a subscription (generally inadequate) for the sufferers.

From Project Gutenberg

There must be something wrong with a social system which permits one idle peer to ruin hundreds of industrious producers.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• gape
• gawk
• give the eagle eye
• glare
• peep
• snoop
• squint
• stare