peek

[ peek ]

verb (used without object)

1. to look or glance quickly or furtively, especially through a small opening or from a concealed location; peep; peer.

noun

1. a quick or furtive look or glance; peep.

peek

/ piːk /

verb

1. intr to glance quickly or furtively; peep

noun

1. a quick or furtive glance

Word History and Origins

Origin of peek¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English piken (verb); perhaps dissimilated variant of kiken “to look furtively, keek”; keek

Word History and Origins

Origin of peek¹

C14 pike, related to Middle Dutch kiken to peek

Synonym Study

See peep ¹.

Example Sentences

“Don’t,” blurted her mother, Rebecca Marriott, who laughed along with everyone else, but kept sneaking anxious peeks at her watch.

From Los Angeles Times

He admits he may have even “peeked” at “Magic Mike” to prep for the role.

From Los Angeles Times

To be sure, a few nuggets of legitimate science peek out from within the depths of Kennedy’s world view, as is often the case with conspiracists.

From Los Angeles Times

And last month, L.A. residents got a sneak peek at what that could look like at a generative AI film competition in Culver City.

From Los Angeles Times

At the intersection of Yolanda and Victory avenues sits a rundown field with just as much dirt as green grass peeking out from above the soil.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• glance
• peep
• snoop

Peek vs. Peak vs. Pique

What's the difference between peek, peak, and pique?

The word peek is most commonly used as a verb meaning to look at something quickly or sneakily and as a noun referring to such a look. The word peak refers to the top of a mountain or, more figuratively, to the highest point of something, as in the peak of my career. The less frequently used word pique is most commonly used as a verb meaning to arouse or excite a particular feeling, as in Advertisements are designed to pique your interest.

The confusion surrounding the three words—all three of which can be used as both a verb and a noun—is mainly due to the fact that they are all pronounced the same.

Since peek and peak are so close in spelling, one way to tell them apart is to remember that peek has two e’s, which kind of look like two little eyes peeking out between the p and the k. Another way to remember this is that peek has two e’s like look has two o’s.

To remember what pique means (and how to spell it), remember that the things that pique your interest or curiosity are often unique.

Here’s an example of peek, peak, and pique used correctly in a sentence.

Example: The image of the strange mountain peak on the cover was meant to pique your curiosity, and it worked—you picked up the magazine to peek inside.

Want to learn more? Read the breakdown of the difference between peeked, peaked, and piqued.

Quiz yourself on peek vs. peak vs. pique!

Should peek, peak, or pique be used in the following sentence?

I can’t stay for long—I just want to take a quick _____ inside.