Peep

Pronunciation

• UK enPR: pÄ“p, IPA: /piːp/
• US IPA: /pip/, pÊ°ip
• Rhymes: -iːp

Onomatopoeic, from Middle English pepen

Full definition of peep

Noun

1. A quiet sound, particularly one from a baby bird.
2. A feeble utterance or complaint.I don't want to hear a peep out of you!
3. The sound of a steam engine's whistle; typically shrill.2001, Rev. W. Awdry, Thomas the tank engine collection : a unique collection of stories from the railway series - p. 177 - Egmont Books, Limited, Aug 15, 2001"Peep, peep," said Edward, "I'm ready.""Peep, peep, peep," said Henry, "so am I."
4. A kind of bird; a sandpiper.

Verb

1. To make a soft, shrill noise like a baby bird.
2. To speak briefly with a quiet voice.

From Middle English pepen, variant of piken

Verb

1. To look, especially while trying not to be seen or noticed.The man peeped through the small hole.
• 1907, w, The Younger Set Chapter 1/2, And it was while all were passionately intent upon the pleasing and snake-like progress of their uncle that a young girl in furs...peeped perfunctorily into the nursery...and halted amazed.
2. To begin to appear; to look forth from concealment; to make the first appearance.
• DrydenWhen flowers first peeped, and trees did blossoms bear.

Hypernyms

• glance

Noun

1. A quick look or glimpse, especially a furtive one.
• 1907, Robert W. Service, Chapter , I was sick with dread, but I bravely said: "I'll just take a peep inside.
  I guess he's cooked, and it's time I looked";. . . then the door I opened wide.

Derived terms

Of uncertain origin

Noun

1. (obsolete) A spot on a die or domino.

Synonyms

• (spot on die or domino) pip

Back-formation from {{3}}, a shortened form of people.

Noun

1. (British, slang) person.