peep
/piːp/ (bre, ipa) · /piːp/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈpēp/ (ame, mw)
peep — verb
- peeppresent simple I / you / we / they
- peepshe / she / it
- peepedpast simple
- peeping-ing form
1. to take a short secret look, often through a gap or from a place where you canno
to take a short secret look, often through a gap or from a place where you cannot easily be seen
Adina peeped through the keyhole before opening the office door.
peep + through + small opening
From behind the hedge, Caleb peeped at the garden party.
peep + at + noun phrase
The smallest boy peeped round the curtain to watch the dancers rehearse.
Feng peeped over the wall to check whether the gate was unlocked.
- stare
to look openly and for a longer time
文法句型
peep + through + small opening
peep + at + noun phrase
peep + over/round + barrier
用法筆記
This sense is most natural when the look is hidden, cautious, or made through a narrow space. Distinguish it from verb sense 2, where something becomes visible rather than someone deliberately looking.
常見錯誤
2. to become visible a little at a time, or to show only a small part of yourself o
to become visible a little at a time, or to show only a small part of yourself or something else
The first stars peeped through the clouds above the dark beach.
peep through + clouds
A strip of blue sky peeped between the apartment blocks.
peep between + barriers
Tiny green shoots peeped out of the soil by the back steps.
Sunlight peeped round the curtain and woke Lauren before six.
- disappear
to stop being visible
文法句型
peep + out of + place
peep + through/between + noun phrase
peep + round + noun phrase
用法筆記
The subject is usually something that is only partly visible, such as light, sky, stars, flowers, or a person behind an object. Distinguish it from verb sense 1, which describes the act of looking.
3. to make a very small, thin sound, as a chick, toy, or timid voice might
to make a very small, thin sound, as a chick, toy, or timid voice might
The new chicks peeped from the box as the farmer changed the straw.
subject is a young bird
When the nurse touched the sore arm, the baby peeped once.
peep + once
After the head teacher called his name, Otis peeped a nervous yes.
The toy mouse peeped softly when Meera pressed its yellow button.
- shout
to make a loud, forceful sound or speak loudly
文法句型
peep + adverbial
peep + short reply
peep + once/twice
用法筆記
This sense is used for very weak, high sounds. With people, it usually suggests fear, hesitation, or speaking so softly that the voice is barely heard.
peep — noun
- peepsingular
- peepsplural
1. a very short remark, answer, or protest spoken in a small voice
a very short remark, answer, or protest spoken in a small voice
Even the quiet tenant gave a peep of protest about the rent.
a peep of + protest
The little boy answered with a peep when the doctor asked his name.
answer with a peep
At the mention of homework, a peep of complaint rose from the class.
After the long wait, one peep of thanks came from the back seat.
文法句型
a peep of + protest/complaint/thanks
answer with a peep
用法筆記
This sense refers to the brief comment itself, not simply the fact that any sound was made. It often appears with of plus a feeling or purpose, such as protest, complaint, or thanks.
2. any sound or reply at all, especially in phrases that stress complete silence
any sound or reply at all, especially in phrases that stress complete silence
I knocked twice, but there was not a peep from the bedroom.
not a peep
After the hard question, the room stayed without a peep.
without a peep
The baby slept through the storm and never made a peep.
We texted David all afternoon and got not a peep back.
- uproar
a great deal of loud noise
文法句型
not a peep
without a peep
never make a peep
用法筆記
Nearly always appears in negative patterns to emphasize that someone stayed completely silent or gave no answer. Distinguish it from noun sense 1, which names a brief remark that was actually spoken.
3. a tiny high sound made by a young bird
a tiny high sound made by a young bird
From the nest above the porch came the soft peeps of chicks.
the peeps of + chicks
Romi heard a faint peep from the bird cage in the shop.
a peep from + bird place
At dawn, one peep from the swallow made the puppy lift its head.
The rescue worker followed the peeps of trapped ducklings under the bridge.
- screech
a loud, harsh cry
文法句型
a peep from + bird
the peeps of + chicks
用法筆記
Most often refers to chicks, ducklings, or other very young birds. For louder or more cheerful bird sounds, words such as chirp or song may fit better.
4. a brief look taken when you do not want to be noticed
a brief look taken when you do not want to be noticed
Aoi took a quick peep through the curtains when the taxi arrived.
take a peep through + barrier
The children had a peep at the gifts before dinner began.
have a peep at + noun phrase
Pim stole a peep at the noticeboard when the teacher turned away.
From the doorway, Grandpa had a peep at the sleeping baby.
文法句型
take/have a peep at + noun phrase
steal a peep at + noun phrase
peep through + barrier
用法筆記
This noun sense is informal and often sounds playful or slightly sneaky. Distinguish it from verb sense 1, where peep is the action of looking rather than the look itself.