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Synonyms

peering

1 American  
[peer-ing] / ˈpɪər ɪŋ /

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 American  
[peer-ing] / ˈpɪər ɪŋ /

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

Etymology

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

"I cannot describe it. I mean, it looks ugly, really ugly," the 69-year-old said, peering through its corroding gates.

From Barron's Jul. 15, 2026

The video of this moment - of a smiling Fabiana peering through the hole - has gone viral in Venezuela.

From BBC Jul. 6, 2026

When we see her next, it’s from a slight distance: pulling over to a roadside billboard emblazoned with her own face, peering sassily over a lowered pair of Starfire sunglasses.

From Salon Jul. 2, 2026

A few decades ago, satellites peering down could barely discern a baseball diamond.

From The Wall Street Journal Jun. 19, 2026

“Guess he got here sooner,” Iola said, peering forward.

From "A Monster of a Mystery (The Hardy Boys: Secret Files, #5)" by Franklin W. Dixon

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