What does "peaked" mean?

1. (having a pointed top) having a pointed top or a sharp shape like a mountain. 2. (looking pale or ill) looking pale, thin, or tired, usually because you are sick. 3. (reached a highest point) reached the highest level, price, or stage of something.

How do you use "peaked"?

Usually used after a linking verb like 'look' or 'feel'.

peaked

adj. · v.

US //ˈpikt// peaked

1 having a pointed top (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

having a pointed top or a sharp shape like a mountain.

characterised by a peak or peaks; having a pointed or crested shape.

Example

The house had a high peaked roof that helped the snow slide off.

Example

The mountain range presented a series of jagged, peaked summits that challenged even the most experienced climbers in the expedition.
- pointed
- crested
- sharp
- flat
- rounded
2 looking pale or ill (adj.)
C1 Advanced British English

looking pale, thin, or tired, usually because you are sick.

appearing pale, sickly, or emaciated, often as a result of illness or exhaustion.

Example

You look a bit peaked today; are you feeling alright?

Example

After a week of battling the flu, he looked remarkably peaked and had lost a noticeable amount of weight.

Usage

Usually used after a linking verb like 'look' or 'feel'.

Teacher's tip

This sense is more common in British English; American speakers might prefer 'peaky' or simply 'pale'.
- pale
- sickly
- wan
- peaky

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3 reached a highest point (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

reached the highest level, price, or stage of something.

the past tense of 'peak', referring to reaching a maximum value, intensity, or point of development.

Example

The athlete peaked at the right time and won the gold medal.

Example

Traffic congestion peaked during the early evening hours, causing significant delays across the metropolitan transport network.
- climaxed
- capped
- culminated
- bottomed out

Etymology 1

See peak.

Etymology 2

See peak (Etymology 2).

Word family

Nounpeak
Adjectivepeaked