Peak
/piːk/
Definitions
4 meaningsThe pointed top of a mountain or other raised area.
/piːk/
The pointed top of a mountain.
The hikers celebrated at the peak after their long climb.
💡 Simply: Imagine a mountain. The peak is like the very top of the mountain, the highest point you can see. It’s where the birds might fly around.
👶 For kids: The top of a mountain that looks like a point!
More Examples
The sun was setting over the distant peaks.
How It's Used
"The climbers reached the peak of Everest."
"The eagles nested near the peak of the mountain range."
The highest level of something.
/piːk/
The highest point or level of something.
Sales reached a peak during the holiday season.
💡 Simply: Think of a graph showing how popular something is. The peak is where it’s the MOST popular. It’s the highest point. Like the peak season for ice cream!
👶 For kids: The highest or best it can be.
More Examples
The athlete was at the peak of their career.
How It's Used
"The stock market reached its peak last quarter."
"The temperature reached its peak at noon."
To reach the highest point or value; to culminate.
/piːk/
To reach the highest point or level.
The demand for the product peaked during the promotional campaign.
💡 Simply: Imagine something getting better and better until it's the best it can be. When it's at its best, it's peaking, like a mountain!
👶 For kids: To get to the best or highest point.
More Examples
The river peaked after the heavy rainfall.
How It's Used
"The company's stock peaked in 2021."
"The temperature peaked at 30 degrees Celsius."
To look or glance quickly or furtively.
/piːk/
To look or peer closely.
He peeked at the exam paper.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're hiding and you quickly look to see what's happening. That's peeking!
👶 For kids: To look quickly.
More Examples
She peeked around the corner to check if the coast was clear.
How It's Used
"I peeked through the curtains to see if the mail had arrived."
"She peeked at the card during the game."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
at its peak
At the highest level or point.
"The company was at its peak in the 1990s."
From Middle English pek, pike, from Old English *pīc (attested in place names, such as Piked Hill), from Proto-Germanic *pīkaz (compare Old Frisian pīk, Middle Dutch pic, Dutch piek, Old High German pīh, German Pech, 'pitch, pike'), from Proto-Indo-European *peyk- ('sharp, pointed'). The sense of the highest point emerged later.
The word 'peak' has been used in English since the 14th century, originally referring to a pointed top.
Memory tip
Think of a pointy hat on top of a mountain.