Definitions Related words Phrases Mentions Lyrics History Easter eggs (New!)

Literary notes about PEEK (AI summary)

The term "peek" appears in literature as a multifaceted word that conveys more than just a casual glance. It is often used to suggest a brief or furtive look into something hidden or secret, whether peering through a keyhole to uncover mysteries [1] or simply checking on someone from a distance [2]. At times, the word carries a playful tone—as when characters engage in a game of peek-a-boo [3]—while in other settings it adds tension or caution to the narrative, such as when a character’s apprehension about being watched is heightened by the threat of someone peeking where they shouldn’t [4]. Additionally, its occasional use as a surname or in the naming of objects lends it a unique literary flavor that blurs the boundaries between literal and figurative meaning [5], [6].
  1. 112 “What is he after?” thought the little bunny, running to the kitchen door to peek through the keyhole.
    — from Little Jack Rabbit and Danny Fox by David Cory
  2. He followed us upstairs, saw that my secretary was away from her desk, and took a quick peek through the keyhole.”
    — from The Clue of the Gold Coin by Helen Wells
  3. The two of us were playing a sort of “even Stephen” game—silent peek-a-boo.
    — from Where Your Treasure Is: Being the Personal Narrative of Ross Sidney, Diver by Holman Day
  4. “That's just what I don't want you to know, Aunt Polly, and I was afraid you WOULD peek, so I tied on the handkerchief.
    — from Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter
  5. Crown 8vo., 10 s. 6 d. POETRY OF SPORT (THE).—Selected by Hedley Peek .
    — from What Gunpowder Plot Was by Samuel Rawson Gardiner
  6. They stopped at his lonely, cheerless home to leave Mr. Peek.
    — from The Auto Boys' Vacation by James A. (James Andrew) Braden

More usage examples

Also see: Google, News, Images, Wikipedia, Reddit, Scrabble


Home   Reverse Dictionary / Thesaurus   Datamuse   Word games   Spruce   Feedback   Dark mode   Random word   Help


Color thesaurus

Use OneLook to find colors for words and words for colors

See an example

Literary notes

Use OneLook to learn how words are used by great writers

See an example

Word games

Try our innovative vocabulary games

Play Now

Read the latest OneLook newsletter issue: Compound Your Joy