# Peters

/ˈpitɝz/ (US) · /pˈiːtəz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/peters
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. to gradually end

verb · CEFR B2

to slowly become smaller, weaker, or less important until it stops completely.

For teachers: to diminish gradually in size, intensity, or importance before coming to an end; almost exclusively used with the particle 'out'.

- The narrow path peters out into a field of tall grass after a mile.
- The initial enthusiasm for the project often peters out once the team encounters the complex administrative hurdles of the second phase.

Usage: Usually appears as the phrasal verb 'peters out'.

### 2. a family name

noun · CEFR B1

a common English last name that comes from the first name Peter.

For teachers: an English surname of patronymic origin, derived from the given name Peter.

- Mr. Peters is the new science teacher at the local high school.
- The historical records indicate that the Peters family settled in this county during the mid-nineteenth century to establish a textile mill.

### 3. slang for penis

noun · CEFR C2 · Slang · Vulgar · Informal

a very informal and old-fashioned word for a man's private parts.

For teachers: a slang term for the penis. Plural form of 'peter'.

- The comedian made a crude joke involving peters that made the audience uncomfortable.
- The text contains several instances of ribald humor, using 'peters' as a euphemism in a way that was common in mid-century underground literature.

Teaching tip: This sense is considered vulgar and is quite dated; modern speakers rarely use it outside of specific regional dialects or older literature.

## Examples

- The peters were caught trying to open the bank vault.
- In the old detective novel, the gang hired two expert peters to crack the safe before the guards returned.
- The narrative details the meticulous preparation of the peters, who used nitroglycerin to breach the heavy iron doors of the merchant's private safe during the height of the Victorian era.

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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.