IPA: /piːp/
KK: /pip/
To look quickly and secretly at something, often from a hidden place or behind something.
She decided to peep through the curtains to see who was outside.
Past: peeped
Past Participle: peeped
A quick look or glance, or a soft sound made by a small bird.
I took a peep through the window to see what was happening outside.
To make something appear or become partly visible, often by looking or showing it briefly.
She peeped her head around the corner to see if anyone was coming.
Past: peeped
Past Participle: peeped
The word 'peep' originates from Middle English 'pepen', which is imitative of the sound made by a small bird or a young chick. It reflects the action of making a short, high-pitched sound, similar to the chirping of birds.
Imagine a small bird making a short, high-pitched sound — that's what 'peep' means, just like the sound it makes.