English Reference
noun · verb

peer

n. · v.
US /ˈpɪɹ/ peer UK spelling peered, peering

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.someone who is the same age or has the same social position as you.

    n.a person who is of equal standing with another in a social, professional, or age-based context.

    Simple

    Teenagers often feel a lot of pressure to fit in with their peers.

    In context

    The researcher's findings were met with skepticism by his peers in the scientific community until the results were replicated.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Formal

    n.a person who has a high social title, like a Duke or a Lord.

    n.a member of the nobility or aristocracy, particularly within the British peerage system.

    Simple

    The king invited several peers of the realm to the royal banquet.

    In context

    As a hereditary peer, he held a seat in the upper house of parliament for several decades.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to look very carefully or with difficulty at something.

    v.to look narrowly or searchingly, as in the effort to discern clearly.

    Simple

    She had to peer through the fog to see the road signs.

    In context

    He peered over his spectacles at the fine print of the contract, searching for any hidden clauses.

    Usage

    often used with prepositions like 'at', 'through', or 'into'

  4. 04 C2 Proficiency Technical Computing

    v.to connect two computer networks so they can exchange data directly.

    v.to link two internet service providers or networks for the mutual exchange of traffic, typically without settlement charges.

    Simple

    The two internet companies decided to peer to improve speeds for their users.

    In context

    By choosing to peer at a major exchange point, the startup significantly reduced its transit costs and improved latency.

Usage peer review · peer reviewed

He talks about envying watching his peers on TV, half expecting to see himself appear on screen and join them.

The Guardian· 16 Aug 2026

With peer review still taking up a lot of time, plenty of researchers are looking for shortcuts to speed up the process.

Ars Technica· 10 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated