peak

The highest amount or level that something reaches during a particular time.

• Sales reached a peak in July.
• Demand is at its peak during winter.
• The chart shows two peaks in daily traffic.

How to use it: a peak of something (Attendance reached a peak of five thousand.)

Similar words: maximum, high point

Opposites: minimum, low

Common phrases: reach a peak, at its peak, sales peak

The highest part of a mountain, especially a pointed top.

• Snow covers the peak.
• We reached the peak before noon.
• Three rocky peaks rose above the clouds.

Similar words: summit, mountaintop

Common phrases: mountain peak, snowy peak, reach the peak

The pointed top or end of an object.

• The tent has a high peak.
• Snow collected around the roof's peak.
• She pulled the peak of her cap down.

Similar words: point, tip

Common phrases: roof peak, tent peak, pointed peak

The upper back corner of a sail that runs along the length of a boat.

• The peak of the sail sagged.
• Pull this rope to raise the peak.
• The crew checked the peak halyard before sailing.

Common phrases: sail peak, peak halyard, raise the peak

Something extremely good, especially entertainment or content shared online.

• This episode is absolute peak.
• She keeps posting peak on her page.
• We watched pure peak last night.

Similar words: excellence

Common phrases: absolute peak, pure peak, watch some peak

To reach the highest amount, level, or point before becoming lower.

• Demand peaks in winter.
• Sales peaked last year and then fell.
• Will the flood peak tonight?

How to use it: peak at an amount (The temperature peaked at thirty degrees.)

Similar words: reach a maximum, culminate

Opposites: bottom out

Common phrases: peak at something, peak in summer, peak too early

At the highest level, or during the time when activity is greatest.

• Avoid driving during peak hours.
• The hotel charges more in peak season.
• These machines are running at peak capacity.

Similar words: maximum, highest

Opposites: minimum

Common phrases: peak hours, peak demand, peak performance

Showing the best or most complete example of a particular kind of thing.

• That scene is peak comedy.
• For me, this film is peak cinema.
• Her latest performance was peak entertainment.

Similar words: ultimate, quintessential

Common phrases: peak comedy, peak cinema, peak television