peek
gb/pˈik/ us/pˈik/
A2
English
~ 2000
Senses
0 senses
Verb
A2
action
1
Look quickly or secretly
To look at something for a very short time, often so no one sees you.
Usage pattern:
to peek at [something/someone]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'peek' with 'peak' (the top of something) or 'pique' (to stimulate interest). Spelling must be checked carefully.
Synonyms
glance (Implies a quick look but not necessarily secretive.)
|
glimpse (A very short or partial view, often by chance.)
Antonyms
stare (To look fixedly for a long time, opposite of a brief look.)
Collocations
peek inside
|peek out
|peek through
|peek at
Themes
daily life
|perception
|privacy
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She peeked through the curtain to see who was outside.
- He peeked at the surprise gift before his birthday.
- The children peeked into the room to watch the movie.
- I peeked over the fence to see the garden.
- We peeked around the corner to check if it was safe.
Learner examples
- I peeked at the box on the table.
- She peeked through the window.
- He peeked into the bag.
- They peeked at the cake.
- We peeked around the door.
Noun
A2
action
2
A quick or secret look
A very short and sometimes secret look at something.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'peek' (look) with 'peak' (mountain top) in writing.
Synonyms
glance (A short look, not necessarily secretive.)
Antonyms
gaze (A long and steady look, opposite of brief.)
Collocations
take a peek
|sneak a peek
|quick peek
Themes
daily life
|perception
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She took a quick peek at her phone during the meeting.
- He had a sneak peek of the new movie.
- We got a first peek at the latest fashion trends.
- Can I have a peek at your notes?
- The kids wanted a peek inside the box.
Learner examples
- I took a peek at the letter.
- He had a peek in the bag.
- She gave me a quick peek.
- We got a sneak peek of the car.
- They took a peek into the room.
Grammar
Dictionary form
peek
IPA
GB/pˈik/
US/pˈik/
Syllables & stress
peek (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (peek)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: peek
Verb
- Base: peek
- 3rd Person Singular: peeks
- Present Participle: peeking
- Past: peeked
Word family
Forms
peeks
verb
peeking
verb
peeked
verb
Related words
peeker
noun
peekaboo
noun
Expressions
sneak a peek
1/snˈik ə pˈik/
idiom
informal
Quick secret look without permission
To look quickly at something that you are not supposed to see.
Examples
- I managed to sneak a peek at my presents before Christmas morning.
- She sneaked a peek at the test answers when the teacher wasn’t looking.
take a peek
1/tˈeɪk ə pˈik/
fixed phrase
Take a quick look
To look quickly at something for a short time.
Examples
- Come and take a peek at this new painting I bought.
- He took a peek inside the box to see what was there.
sneak peek
1/snˈik pˈik/
fixed phrase
informal
Early look before release
A quick look at something before most people can see it.
Examples
- The trailer gives us a sneak peek at the next season.
- Here's a sneak peek of my new book.
sneak peek
2/snˈik pˈik/
fixed phrase
Early preview before release
An early and short look at something before it is shown to everyone.
Examples
- Fans got a sneak peek of the new movie trailer online.
- The magazine offered a sneak peek of next season’s fashion.