Meaning

A short, soft, high-pitched sound, as made by a baby bird..

Definitions by Sense

1. A short, soft, high-pitched sound, as made by a baby bird.
2. (chiefly in the negative) A feeble utterance or complaint.
3. The sound of a steam engine's whistle; typically shrill.
4. (birdwatching, colloquial) A sandpiper or other small wader.
5. To make a soft, shrill noise like a baby bird.
6. To speak briefly with a quiet voice.
7. (intransitive) To look, especially through a narrow opening, or while trying not to be seen or noticed.
8. (intransitive, dated) To begin to appear; to look forth from concealment; to make the first appearance.

Example Sentences

I don't want to hear a peep out of you!

With a "peep" from a high-pitched whistle, the train would leave by the crossover to the down line, […].

"Peep, peep," said Edward, "I'm ready." "Peep, peep, peep," said Henry, "so am I."

When I spotted two small warm-brown scaley-plumaged ‘peeps’ with yellow legs, my commentary immediately identified them as Least Sandpipers.

The man peeped through the small hole.

And it was while all were passionately intent upon the pleasing and snake-like progress of their uncle that a young girl in furs, ascending the stairs two at a time, peeped perfunctorily into the nursery as she passed the hallway—and halted amazed.

But Richmond[…]appeared to lose himself in his own reflections. Some pickled crab, which he had not touched, had been removed with a damson pie; and his sister saw, peeping around the massive silver epergne that almost obscured him from her view, that he had eaten no more than a spoonful of that either.

When flowers first peeped, and trees did blossoms bear.

Word Forms

• peeps
• peeping
• peeped

Synonyms for peep

Related Words

When Should You Use Peep?

Use peep when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

Practice This Word

Frequently Asked Questions