noun / verb

peek

PEEK/pˈik/

A brief look, often taken secretly.

She peeks around the partly open door.

A young adult white woman briefly peeks around a slightly open door, keeping most of her body hidden while looking into the room.

Etymology

peekMiddle Englishlook quickly and slyly

Middle English piken already described a quick, sly look, so the modern sense preserves the same idea of brief or secret looking. Its deeper origin is unknown.

In context

Red Bull Snow115:10

… I just had to creep over to the edge to peek my head over to appraise how high up I am before that first landing …

Kings and Queens of Corbet's 2022 REPLAY

More examples

He took a quick peek inside the box.
She peeked at the answer before covering it again.
Stop peeking at the surprise.

Forms

peek · peeks · peeked · peeking

Similar words

glance: Look briefly, without necessarily doing so secretly.
peep: Look through a small opening or take a furtive look.