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

• 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

See Examples For:

peering

"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

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

I tracked Clover while she played outside and repeatedly checked the map against reality by peering out the window.

From Slate ● Jun. 20, 2026

This geographical remoteness was about as far from peering into a screen as could be.

From BBC ● May 21, 2026

“So this is a mall,” he said, peering at the list of stores.

From "The First State of Being" by Erin Entrada Kelly

Related Words

• inquisitive
• interested