verb
peek
peek
verb
1
To look quickly or slyly, often through a small gap or without being noticed.
"She peeked through the curtains to see who was at the door."
"He peeked at the answer key when the teacher wasn't looking."
noun
1
A quick or furtive look.
"Can I take a peek at the birthday cake before the party?"
How to Use Peek
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA quick, often secretive look at something.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "peak" (a summit or highest point) or "pique" (to provoke interest or irritation) — all three sound alike.
Easily confused with
peak →
pique
Common pairings
take a peek
peek inside
sneak a peek
Word Forms
peeked past tense, peeks plural, peeks singular
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She _____ through the curtains to see who was at the door.
Etymology
From Middle English words meaning "to peep" or "to spy," likely blending "peep" and an older word for "look narrowly."