Peak - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

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SKIP TO CONTENT peak /pik/ /pik/ IPA guide

Other forms: peaks; peaked; peaking

Use the word peak to refer to the pointy top of something, such as the jagged peak of a tall mountain or the tapered peak that forms when you beat egg whites for a recipe.

Peak is one of those words that can play a variety of roles in a sentence. The noun peak can refer to something that is a literal highpoint, like that snow-covered peak over there in the distance, but you will also hear it used to refer to more abstract high points, such as a time of greatest success ("at the peak of your career") or top performance ("the stock price reached a peak over the summer") or highest level ("the peak of the flu season"). The word also has a verb form ("Don’t peak too soon") and an adjective form ("peak productivity") that carry similar meanings.

Definitions of peak

noun a V shape synonyms: point, tip see moresee less types: widow's peak a V-shaped point in the hairline in the middle of the forehead cusp small elevation on the grinding surface of a tooth head the tip of an abscess (where the pus accumulates) type of: convex shape, convexity a shape that curves or bulges outward
noun the highest point (of something) “at the peak of the pyramid” synonyms: acme, apex, vertex, zenith see moresee less types: crown the part of a hat (the vertex) that covers the crown of the head roof peak the highest point of a roof type of: extreme, extreme point, extremum the point located farthest from the middle of something
noun the top or extreme point of something (usually a mountain or hill) “the view from the peak was magnificent” synonyms: crest, crown, summit, tip, top see moresee less types: brow, hilltop the peak of a hill pinnacle a lofty peak mountain peak the summit of a mountain type of: place, spot, topographic point a point located with respect to surface features of some region
noun the period of greatest prosperity or productivity synonyms: bloom, blossom, efflorescence, flower, flush, heyday, prime see moresee less types: golden age a time period when some activity or skill was at its peak type of: period, period of time, time period an amount of time
noun the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development “the peak of perfection” “summer was at its peak” synonyms: acme, elevation, height, meridian, pinnacle, summit, superlative, tiptop, top, zenith see moresee less type of: degree, level, point, stage a specific identifiable position in a continuum or series or especially in a process
noun the most extreme possible amount or value “voltage peak” synonyms: extremum see moresee less types: lower limit, minimum the smallest possible quantity maximum, upper limit the largest possible quantity skeleton something reduced to its minimal form type of: limit, limitation the greatest amount of something that is possible or allowed
verb to reach the highest point; attain maximum intensity, activity “That wild, speculative spirit peaked in 1929” synonyms: top out see moresee less types: crest reach a high point type of: arrive at, attain, gain, hit, make, reach reach a destination, either real or abstract
noun a brim that projects to the front to shade the eyes synonyms: bill, eyeshade, visor, vizor see moresee less type of: brim a circular projection that sticks outward from the crown of a hat

Pronunciation US /pik/ UK /pik/ Cite this entry Style: MLA

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Copy citation DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘peak'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback Commonly confused words

peak / peek / pique

Let's look at three homophones: peak, peek, and pique. Peak is a topmost point, such as a mountain peak, or to reach that point.

Word Family

Vocabulary lists containing peak

Some Tricky Homonyms

Words that sound the same but are spelled differently (a type of homonym) can be stumbling blocks in comprehension or when trying to communicate something in writing. If you know that there's "peek" "peak" and "pique," which one do you use to describe what your character did at the window? If you use the wrong one, then your character has reached the heights (peak) or is having a fit if anger (pique) by the window. Is that what you mean? Is the character simply looking through that window (peek)? As you can see, all these words sound the same but suggest very different things. Here are 32 vocabulary words that are often confused.

Where the Red Fern Grows Wilson Rawls

Billy saves enough money to buy two pups, Old Dan and Little Ann. Together they become one of the best hunting teams in the Ozarks—and devoted friends as well. But when the unthinkable happens, Billy must learn how to nurture hope in a time of tragedy.

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