noun

peep

noun

A short, high-pitched sound, like that of a baby bird.

"A faint peep came from the nest as the chicks woke up."

verb

To look quickly or secretly, often through a small opening.

"He peeped through the keyhole to see who had knocked."

To begin to appear, as if emerging from hiding.

"The sun peeped out from behind the clouds just before sunset."

How to Use Peep

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA quick, sneaky look, or the tiny chirping sound of a young bird — also used for something starting to show itself.

Common mistake

Very close in meaning to "peek" — both mean a quick, often secretive look, and they're largely interchangeable.

Easily confused with

peek →

Common pairings

take a peep not a peep peep out

peeped past tense, peeped past tense, peeps plural, peeps plural, peeps plural, peeps plural, Peeps plural, peeps singular, peeps singular

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Can you complete this real example?

A faint _____ came from the nest as the chicks woke up.

From Middle English pepen, likely echoing the sound itself — similar words exist in Dutch and German for the chirp of small birds.

eep keep weep deep seep Jeep beep meep creep sheep sleep sweep