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.

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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.

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Other Word Forms

• peeringly adverb

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

Elsewhere at the checkpoint, the BBC saw officers screening lorries with large X-ray machines before climbing inside to inspect cargo, slashing through plastic wrapping with pen-knives and peering inside pallets with torchlights.

From BBC

This filthy and fascinating film is peering in, nose crinkled and stomach churning, to see what bubbles up.

From Los Angeles Times

“Listen to this, Aunt Kitty. Mr. Lincoln has taken off by train from Illinois just like us. Only he’s heading for the White House in Washington,” I said, peering up from the newspaper.

From Literature

Opening drawers, peering into the fridge, excavating the freezer.

From Salon

“It needs to be specific,” Mom offers, peering up from her newspaper.

From Literature

Related Words

• inquisitive
• interested