peering

¹

[peer-ing]

adjective

1. looking narrowly or searchingly, as in the effort to discern clearly.

   We'll build it underground, far from the peering eyes of passersby.

   She risked a peering glance out into the dark corridor.

noun

1. the act of looking narrowly or searchingly, as in the effort to discern clearly.

   For my annual peering into the future, here are a few remarks about the changing economy.

peering

²

[peer-ing]

noun

Computers.

1. an arrangement under which two or more networks are connected so as to route traffic independently in a direct exchange of data.

   The peering of these two large internet providers will bring faster broadband speeds to the island’s east-coast communities.

Other Word Forms

• peeringly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of peering¹

First recorded in 1560–70; peer ¹ ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective; peer ¹ ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun

Origin of peering²

First recorded in 1985–90; peer ² ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

As I wheeled my cleaning trolley round the corridors, I was acutely aware of pleading faces peering out of bedrooms, hoping for a few minutes of company and conversation.

Read more on BBC

“It was a first for both officers,” the department wrote in the post, which included photos of an officer peering through the front window at the empty driver’s seat.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The exhibition is not only about peering at relics behind glass, but one that invites visitors to step into the filmmaking process.

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But the humor of an editorial cartoon is what kept people peering over the edge, instead of diving in.

Read more on Salon

But one thing that probably will remain true is that the region’s path into the future will inspire writers to keep peering into their crystal balls, cloudy as they are.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• inquisitive 
• interested