peering

¹

[ peer-ing ]

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.

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

[ peer-ing ]

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.

Other Words From

• peer·ing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

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

“I saw a person cycling,” says one girl peering through a telescope.

From BBC

He recalled his wife peering out the window and remarking, “Hey, it snowed last night.”

From Salon

Scientists first realised Europa might support life in the 1970s when, peering through a telescope in Arizona, they saw water ice.

From BBC

Ms Mukherjee said the entire city seemed awake as the marchers passed by illuminated homes, with people peering out of windows and crowding verandahs to watch.

From BBC

They are barely tall enough to see over the barriers separating spectators from the athlete area and all Sunny could see were their little eyes peering over the railing.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• inquisitive
• interested