# peaks

/ˈpiks/ (US) · /pˈiːks/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/peaks
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. mountain tops

noun · CEFR B1

the pointed tops of mountains.

For teachers: the pointed summits of mountains or hills.

- The snowy peaks of the Alps were visible from the airplane window.
- The climbers spent three days navigating the jagged peaks of the mountain range before reaching the final ascent.

### 2. highest points or levels

noun · CEFR B2

the highest levels of something, like success, prices, or traffic.

For teachers: the point of highest activity, quality, or value within a fluctuating range.

- The store hires extra staff during the peaks in holiday shopping.
- Economists observed several peaks in the inflation rate over the last decade, followed by periods of relative stability.

### 3. reaches a maximum

verb · CEFR B2

when something reaches its highest or strongest point.

For teachers: to reach a maximum level of intensity, volume, or value; often used for data or performance.

- Electricity usage usually peaks in the evening when everyone is home.
- The athlete's performance typically peaks during the summer season after months of rigorous physical conditioning.

## Examples

- The snowy peaks are visible from the city center.
- Electricity demand usually reaches its daily peaks during the early evening when people return home from work.
- The hiker stood in awe as the morning sun illuminated the jagged peaks of the mountain range, casting long shadows across the valley floor below.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.