peruse

[ puh-rooz ]

verb (used with object)

, pe·rused, pe·rus·ing.

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.

peruse

/ pəˈruːz /

verb

1. to read or examine with care; study
2. to browse or read through in a leisurely way

Derived Forms

• peˈrusal, noun
• peˈruser, noun

Other Words From

• pe·rus·a·ble adjective
• pe·rus·er noun
• pre·pe·ruse verb (used with object) preperused preperusing
• qua·si-pe·rus·a·ble adjective
• re·pe·ruse verb (used with object) reperused reperusing
• un·pe·rus·a·ble adjective
• un·pe·rused adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of peruse¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of peruse¹

C15 (meaning: to use up): from per- (intensive) + use

Example Sentences

Silver Lake The meat in Silver Lake’s walkabilty sandwich is Sunset Junction, where Santa Monica and Sunset boulevards converge and there’s plenty for pedestrians to peruse, including Mohawk General Store and Taiwanese noodle shop Pine & Crane, a twice-weekly farmers market and one of the best Erewhons to people-watch in.

From Los Angeles Times

Peruse the antique mall for vintage earrings My boyfriend’s from Sherman Oaks.

From Los Angeles Times

One of them, Taylor, delivers a recurring version of “I can work with that” in response, offering to peruse the menus for both of them.

From Salon

If nothing else, Stoiber urged consumers to peruse the EWG’s guide to countertop filters — and to purchase one.

From Los Angeles Times

County will also put up a website where the public can peruse aggregate data about medical debt at local hospitals, although it is still determining exactly what information will be posted, Mahajan said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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