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

• peˈruser, noun
• peˈrusal, 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

We’ve perused the depths of smartwatch accouterments to get you started with the best of the best.

From Popular-Science

Spruce up your coffee table by investing in some beautiful books for you and your guests to peruse.

From Popular-Science

She called him a “pillar of the family,” who before the pandemic enjoyed perusing pictures of farm animals and nature, a nod to his past.

From Voice of San Diego

Use your LinkedIn networks to peruse profiles for people in your industry who could lend some advice on how to grow your business.

From Essence.com

However, within the context of these three verticals, the new activity card features may lead users to move on from pages they’ve visited to comparing products, looking at new job listings or perusing related recipes.

From Search Engine Land

Recipients in a cryobank can peruse donor files and see hair color, eye color, race, height, IQ, and so on.

From The Daily Beast

Copies of a 53-page strategic plan are on the coffee table in her office for visitors to peruse.

From The Daily Beast

Then I peruse my RSS feeds for Red Sox stories by my competitors.

From The Daily Beast

In the meantime, feel free to peruse the report, which can be read below.

From The Daily Beast

On one of my last days as a student, I remember taking a break to peruse the university bookstore.

From The Daily Beast

Who wants to peruse fictitious adventures, when railroads and steamboats woo him to adventures of his own?

From Project Gutenberg

It is necessary to read the word of God, but sinful to peruse it thoughtlessly, or in an irreverent frame of mind.

From Project Gutenberg

I have spooke to Sr Miles Cooke, who promises to lett me have your settlement to peruse, and to end matters fairly.

From Project Gutenberg

No one will peruse a page without laying down the book a better and a wiser man.

From Project Gutenberg

Nigel became more interested in the volume at the second than at the first attempt which he made to peruse it.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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