peep

Peep is a term with multiple distinct meanings in English. It can function as a verb, a noun, or as a personal name or brand reference in some contexts. The senses are separate but share the same spelling.

As a verb, peep means to look quickly and secretly or to appear briefly. Examples include peeping through a door crack or peeping from behind curtains. The word can also describe a small, high-pitched sound made by a chick or other young bird.

As a noun, a peep can refer to a quick look or to the faint, high-pitched sound itself. In ornithology, peeps (informally) are small shorebirds such as sandpipers, whose calls are described as peeps.

In popular culture and commerce, Peeps is the brand name for marshmallow candies shaped like chicks and bunnies, produced by Just Born and heavily associated with Easter celebrations. Although spelled Peeps, the singular form “a Peep” is not commonly used for the candy.

Peep is also used as a given name or nickname in some regions, particularly as a short form of longer names. The usage varies by language and culture.