Peak vs. Peek – How to Use Each Correctly

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Peak vs. Peek – What’s the Gist?

These two words are clearly English homophones. They are pronounced exactly the same despite not sharing the same spelling.

  • Peak is primarily used as a noun.
  • Peek is functions mostly as a verb.

Knowing the definitions of these words is crucial because they have different meanings and are not interchangeable.

peak versus peek

How to Use Peak in a Sentence

Peak definition: The noun peak has the following meanings: a sharp end or a pointed part of a garment; a high point of land; or the highest level of something.

For example:

  • The steep peak of the gables gave the house a gloomy look. (Noun)
  • They hiked to the peak of the mountain. (Noun)
  • She achieved national acclaim at the peak of her career. (Noun)

The word peak can function as a verb, meaning to reach a maximum.

  • The football team peaked at the wrong moment in the season. (Past Tense Verb)

Furthermore, the word peak also acts an adjective, which means being at or reaching the maximum.

For example:

  • The peak levels of the seasonal influenza hit in late February. (Adjective).

Although the word peak does have different functions in a sentence, they all suggest the idea of a sharp incline or the top of something.

How to Use Peek in a Sentence

Peek definition: As a verb, the word peek means to look cautiously or to peer through; or to take a glance at something.

For example:

  • The mail carrier peeked around the gate, looking for the vicious dog. (Past Tense Verb)
  • Curiosity driving him, the toddler peeked through the window of the TV stand. (Past Tense Verb)
  • Quickly and furtively, the woman peeked into the box containing her birthday present. (Past Tense Verb)

Peek can function as a noun, meaning a brief look.

For example:

  • At first peek, the children seemed to be behaving well together. (Noun)

However, it is more common to see the word peek being used as a verb.

Outside Examples of Peak vs. Peek

  • LendingTree said the smallest declines in home searches from 2020 peaks were Charlotte and Raleigh, both in North Carolina, and Austin, Texas. –The San Diego Union-Tribune
  • Even if the entire nation makes an all-out effort to restrict contact, coronavirus deaths will peak in the next two weeks, with patients overwhelming hospitals in most states, according to a University of Washington study. –USA Today
  • But he did pop out of the room to see what his children were up to. “They’re working on a leprechaun trap,” he said with a laugh. “I took a peek and came back in.” –Newsday
  • Biden’s latest digital ad gives us a peek at what he will try to convey during an unprecedented time in a unique campaign environment. –The Washington Post

Phrases That Use Peak and Peek

There are quite a few phrases that use the word peak or peek, including:

Widow’s peak: Where the hairline comes down into a sharp and distinct point in the middle of the forehead.

  • The severe bun that his grandmother wore emphasized her widow’s peak.

Peak demand: The prime period of time where many people are wanting or using something like electricity or the network.

  • With everyone home and on the internet, there has been peak demand on the network.

Peek-a-boo: A game of hiding and reappearing, typically played with a baby or a toddler.

  • The grandmother and toddler played peek-a-boo, using a small blanket.

Peek in on (something): To give something a quick, cursory glance.

  • Arriving late, the teenager quickly peeked in on his mother’s whereabouts.

Sneak peek or sneak peak? Sneak Peek is the correct term.  It refers to a quick, introductory glance at something before widespread release.

  • We got a sneak peek of the upcoming movie.

How to Remember These Words

There is an easy way to remember the differences between these two words. The letter a in the word peak looks like a mountain peak when it is capitalized: A. Put several together and you have a mountain range: AAA

With the word peek, there is another way to remember it. When someone peeks, that person is using her eyes. The two ee’s in peek reflects two eyes to see.

Article Summary

Is peak or peek correct? The correct choice comes down to what you function you need in the sentence. If it is a noun, likely you’ll want the word peak. If you want to express action, you’ll want to choose peek.

  • Peak is primarily a noun but can function as a verb and an adjective.
  • Peek is a verb but occasionally functions as a noun.