peep

A quick look, often taken secretly or through a small opening.

• Have a peep inside.
• She took a quick peep through the curtains.
• Can I have a peep at your drawing?

How to use it: a peep at something (I had a peep at the birthday cake.)

Similar words: peek, glimpse

Common phrases: take a peep, a quick peep, peep at something

A very small sound or complaint, usually mentioned when someone stays quiet.

• There wasn’t a peep from anyone.
• The children went to bed without a peep.
• I didn’t hear a peep out of her during the meeting.

How to use it: a peep out of someone (We haven’t heard a peep out of him all morning.)

Similar words: sound, word, complaint

Common phrases: not a peep, without a peep, hear a peep

The first small sign of something starting to appear.

• We left at the peep of day.
• The first peep of sunlight touched the hills.
• At the peep of dawn, the birds began to sing.

Similar words: first sign, first glimpse

Common phrases: peep of day, first peep, peep of dawn

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

• Don’t peep!
• She peeped through the keyhole.
• The children were peeping at us from behind the door.

How to use it: peep through something (He peeped through a gap in the fence.); peep at someone/something (She peeped at the sleeping baby.); peep into something (I peeped into the dark room.)

Similar words: peek

Common phrases: peep through something, peep at someone, peep into something

To look at or watch something, especially to notice or check it.

• Peep these new shoes!
• Did you peep her latest video?
• I peeped the photos you posted last night.

Similar words: check out, look at, watch

Common phrases: peep this video, peep the shoes, peep something new