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

The top of the Las Vegas Sphere had opened, and mortgage loan officer Danielle Renee , of Washington State, was peering upwards in awe at millions of stars.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

Her experiences are almost mythic, like peering through the looking glass at a time when misery could actively coexist with unbridled bliss.

From Salon • Mar. 14, 2026

To kill some time before cocktail hour, I visited the free Richelieu Library, where I joined other tourists peering into the Labrouste Room, canopied with a Byzantine-inspired nine-dome ceiling.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 14, 2026

What’s more, when cocooned in that basket, the injured skier isn’t peering down over the edge.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2026

I had edged my way into the dimness, peering into the corners, ready to run if I saw one of the sídhe, her hair long, her fingers bony, watching me.

From "Nory Ryan’s Song" by Patricia Reilly Giff

Related Words

• inquisitive
• interested