peer

¹ American  

[peer] / pɪər /

verb (used without object)

1. to look narrowly or searchingly, as in the effort to discern clearly.

2. to peep out or appear slightly.

3. to come into view.

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peer ² American  

[peer] / pɪər /

noun

1. a person of the same legal status.

   a jury of one's peers.

2. a person who is equal to another in abilities, qualifications, age, background, and social status.

3. something of equal worth or quality.

   a skyscraper without peer.

4. a nobleman.

5. a member of any of the five degrees of the nobility in Great Britain and Ireland (duke, marquis, earl, viscount, and baron).

6. Computers.

   1. a network connected to one or more other networks in a way that routes traffic independently between them in a direct exchange of data.

   2. a computer or device that is connected to others in a network, either directly or through a server.

7. Archaic. a companion.

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verb (used without object)

1. Computers. (of a network) to be connected with one or more other networks in a way that routes traffic independently between them in a direct exchange of data (usually followed bywith ).

peer ¹ British  

/ pɪə /

noun

1. a member of a nobility; nobleman

2. a person who holds any of the five grades of the British nobility: duke, marquess, earl, viscount, and baron See also life peer

3. 1. a person who is an equal in social standing, rank, age, etc

   2. ( as modifier )

      peer pressure

4. archaic a companion; mate

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peer ² British  

/ pɪə /

verb

1. to look intently with or as if with difficulty

   to peer into the distance

2. to appear partially or dimly

   the sun peered through the fog

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Related Words

See peep ¹.

Etymology

Origin of peer¹

First recorded in 1560–70; perhaps a variant of appear

Origin of peer²

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English per, from Old French per, from Latin pār “equal, an equal, partner”

Example Sentences

Autistic youth experience depression and suicidal thoughts at higher rates than non-autistic peers.

From Los Angeles Times

Martin says there are a few ways Disney can prove to Wall Street that its stock is worth trading at a valuation that’s in line with its media peers.

From Barron's

“Something feels different when the person giving the award is still a kid, but a bigger one. If adults came in and gave out the awards, it wouldn’t be the same as from peers.”

From Los Angeles Times

As Apple’s Siri delay drags on, its “Magnificent Seven” peers are embarking on a massive AI spending spree to build out data centers, leading some investors to perceive Apple as an AI laggard.

From MarketWatch

While Blackstone doesn’t have as much direct lending exposure as peers Ares and Blue Owl, the alternative asset manager has enough private-credit exposure to be affected for the next several years, Warren says.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• gape
• gawk
• give the eagle eye
• glare
• peep
• snoop
• squint
• stare