to diminish gradually and stop; dwindle to nothing; gradually come to an end (usually followed by out oraway ): The hearings petered to an inevitable conclusion.
The criticism seems to have petered out.
The hearings petered to an inevitable conclusion.
to tire; become exhausted (usually followed byout ).
I began to peter out after walking about 2 miles.
Also called Simon Peter. died a.d. 67?, one of the 12 apostles and the reputed author of two of the Epistles.
either of these two Epistles in the New Testament, I Peter or II Peter.
a word formerly used in communications to represent the letter P.
a male given name.
a safe, till, or cash box
a prison cell
the witness box in a courtroom
a slang word for penis
Saint. Also called: Simon Peter. died ?67 ad , a fisherman of Bethsaida, who became leader of the apostles and is regarded by Roman Catholics as the first pope; probably martyred at Rome. Feast day: June 29 or Jan 18
either of two epistles traditionally ascribed to Peter (in full The First Epistle and The Second Epistle of Peter )
The great church of the Vatican, Saint Peter's Basilica, was later built on what was believed to be the site of his burial.
Peter is often depicted holding keys. Roman Catholics maintain a number of traditions about Peter: that he was the first of the popes, for example, and that he was martyred at Rome by being crucified upside down, because he refused to be crucified as Jesus had been.
First recorded in 1845–50; origin uncertain
First recorded in 1870–75; generic use of the proper name
First recorded in 1885–90; from blue peter
Middle English; Old English Petrus < Latin < Greek Pétros stone, translation of Syriac kēfā
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
While most experts are predicting this hantavirus outbreak will peter out, it’s not the kind of prediction you want to be wrong about either.
From Salon ● May 11, 2026
Economists predict the current wave of inflation is likely to peter out later in the year, but they are uncertain as to when and by how much.
From MarketWatch ● Apr. 15, 2026
As interest rates climb, unemployment is expected to grind higher as inflation gradually grinds lower, while the recent current pickup in economic growth is set to peter out fast, according to the RBA.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 4, 2026
On 12 November, Mandelson received an email with the subject "Paris" which read: "Hi peter, Valdson, Jeffrey's driver, will be picking you up today from the train station... see you this evening!"
From BBC ● Feb. 4, 2026
He looked in the other direction and saw people bunched up to his left, and they began to peter out closer to 8th Street.
From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro
Years ago, the investment consultant Peter Bernstein wrote:
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026
As in the previous films, Peter attempts to balance his personal woes with superhero struggles — but he’ll have another Avenger in his corner.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 28, 2026
Kratsios is not a scientist; his previous experience includes working at an investment fund run by Peter Thiel and for the Department of Government Efficiency under Musk.
From Salon ● Jul. 28, 2026
Conducted by its incoming music director, Peter Whelan—just the fourth in the group’s 45-year history—the orchestra was in excellent form, its stylish swing and careful balances buoyantly supporting the singers.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026
Peter, the policemen, dear ugly Pickwick, all of us were there except my brother Willem and his family.
From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
