peep

peep¹ [pi:p] v

[Date: 1400-1500; Origin: Perhaps from peek]

1.)

to look at something quickly and secretly, especially through a hole or opening

= ↑peek

→↑peer peep into/through/out etc

▪ The door was ajar and Helen peeped in.

▪ Henry peeped through the window into the kitchen.

2.) [I always + adverb/preposition]

if something peeps from somewhere, you can just see a small amount of it

peep through/from/out etc

▪ I could see her toes peeping out from under the sheet.

3.) [T] [i]informal

to look at something because it is interesting or attractive

▪ On our website you can peep our video interview with R&B's newest supergroup.

peep ²

peep² n

[Sense: 1; Date: 1500-1600; Origin: PEEP¹]

[Sense: 2-3; Date: 1400-1500; Origin: From the sound.]

[Sense: 4; Date: 1900-2000; Origin: people]

1.) a quick or secret look at something

peep at/into

▪ Jon took a peep at his watch.

2.) a peep informal

a sound that someone makes, or something that they say, especially a complaint

▪ There has not been a peep out of them since bedtime.

▪ a peep of protest

3.) a short high sound, like the sound a mouse or a young bird makes

▪ the peep of a chick

▪ loud peeps from the smoke alarm

4.) also peeps

informal a word meaning 'people', used in magazines