peruse

American  

[puh-rooz] / pəˈruz /

verb (used with object)

perused, perusing

1. to read through with thoroughness or care.

   Make sure you peruse the document before signing.

2. to scan or browse: Visitors will be able to peruse artworks by young people across the state.

   Sometimes I peruse the magazines near the cash register while waiting to check out.

   Visitors will be able to peruse artworks by young people across the state.

3. to read.

   If romantic plots interest you, consider perusing her latest novel.

4. to survey or examine in detail.

   We had the opportunity to hear both sides and peruse the evidence.

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peruse British  

/ pəˈruːz /

verb

1. to read or examine with care; study

2. to browse or read through in a leisurely way

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Other Word Forms

• perusable adjective
• perusal noun
• peruser noun
• preperuse verb (used with object)
• quasi-perusable adjective
• reperuse verb (used with object)
• unperusable adjective
• unperused adjective

Etymology

Origin of peruse

First recorded in 1470–80 in the sense “use up, go through”; first recorded in 1525–35 for current senses; per- + use

Explanation

Traditionally, peruse has meant to read or examine something carefully. But informally, it can have the opposite meaning, to read something casually and quickly. To understand the two meanings, think about the way people like to talk about doing things thoroughly, even when they aren't. If you are visiting a library or a bookstore, you might find yourself perusing the shelves. Synonyms are browse and skim. Peruse is from Middle English perusen "to use up," from the Latin prefix per- "thoroughly" plus Middle English usen "to use."

Example Sentences

But the only architectural feats eliciting "oohs" and "aahs" this autumn morning are of the sponge variety, as enthusiasts peruse the gravity-defying gateaux from the city's gourmands.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

If I’m traveling and visiting family, I’ll peruse their library and borrow something that seems interesting.

From Slate • Mar. 8, 2026

Then there is the bewildering volume of files now available for the conspiracy-minded to peruse in search of clues and secret codes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 7, 2026

In 2020, a house hunter in Boise, Ida., could peruse over 20 properties for sale before encountering one listed for $1 million or more.

From Barron's • Feb. 22, 2026

“Sheriff Snyder, I must confess, this is the first time I’ve seen such a headline. Might I borrow your newssheet to peruse the story at my leisure?”

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland

Related Words

• analyze
• browse
• inspect
• look through
• pore over
• scan
• scrutinize
• skim