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

Inquisitive faces were forever peering through the bars of the garden gate.

From Literature

J.W. was on his hind legs, peering over the wagon side.

From Literature

Beneath the sign, a pinched-looking woman sits with her hands folded behind a counter, peering observantly over her glasses.

From Literature

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

From Salon

The parents whose kids are playing outside have started peering down at us, wondering why we’re parked here, probably.

From Literature

Related Words

• inquisitive
• interested