1 B2 neutral
to look out quickly or secretly from a hidden place
"The child peeped out from behind the curtain."
inseparable
peep out
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
to look out quickly or to appear slightly from behind or under something
In plain English
to look out a little, or show a small part
What does "peep out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
to be slightly visible from behind, under, or through something
"A corner of the photo was peeping out of her bag."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
to make a small chirping-like appearance outward
Actually means
to look out a little, or show a small part
Usage tip
Often interchangeable with 'peek out', which is more common in modern everyday English.
Words that pair with "peep out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
window door curtain clouds edge underneath
How to conjugate "peep out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
peep out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
peeps out
he/she/it
Past simple
peeped out
yesterday
Past participle
peeped out
have + pp
-ing form
peeping out
continuous
Hear "peep out" in the wild
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Other ways to say "peep out"
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