peep

• Nom désignant soit un cri court et aigu d'un jeune oiseau, soit un regard rapide et furtif sur quelque chose.

A noun referring to either the short, weak cry of a young bird or a quick, secret look at something.

1. Bird soundA2formal

   A short, high-pitched sound made by a young bird or a small animal.

   Cri d'oiseau (pépiement)

   • The chicks let out a soft peep from the nest.
   • I heard a faint peep coming from the bushes.
   • The baby bird's peep was barely audible.

   Synonymescheepchirppipesqueaktweettwitter

2. Secret lookB1informal

   A quick, furtive, or secretive glance at something.

   coup d'œil furtif

   • She took a peep through the keyhole.
   • He had a quick peep at the test answers.
   • I caught a peep of the celebrity as she entered the building.

   Synonymesglanceglimpsepeek

   Antonymesgazestare

• Verbe utilisé pour décrire un regard rapide ou furtif, ou pour produire un son court et aigu (comme celui d'un poussin).

A verb used to describe the act of looking quickly or furtively, or making a short, high-pitched sound (like a young bird).

1. Look furtivelyB1informal

   To look quickly and secretly, often through a narrow opening or from a hidden position.

   regarder furtivement

   • She peeped through the curtains to see who was at the door.
   • The child peeped around the corner to surprise his mother.
   • He peeped into the room to check if anyone was there.

   Synonymesglancepeekspysquint

2. Cause to appearB2informal

   To cause something to become visible or to emerge slightly.

   Faire apparaître légèrement

   • The sun peeped over the horizon at dawn.
   • She peeped her head out of the window to get some fresh air.
   • The first flowers peeped through the melting snow.

   Synonymesdisplayexposerevealshowuncover

   Antonymesburyconcealcoverhidesuppress

3. Make high-pitched soundsA2informal

   To produce a short, high-pitched sound, like that of a small bird or a weak electronic signal.

   pépier

   • The chicks peeped loudly in their nest.
   • The smoke detector peeped to warn of low battery.
   • I heard a faint peeping sound coming from the engine.

   Synonymescheepchirpchirruppipesqueaktweettwitter

4. Speak in a hesitant and high-pitched toneB2informal

   To speak in a weak, high-pitched, and often hesitant voice, usually due to shyness or fear.

   parler d'une voix faible et hésitante

   • The shy student peeped his answer to the teacher.
   • She peeped a quiet apology after the argument.
   • He peeped a few words of protest, but no one listened.

   Synonymescheeppipepulesqueakwhimper

5. Appear as though from hidingB1informal

   To become visible gradually or partially, as if emerging from concealment.

   apparaître furtivement

   • The moon peeped out from behind the clouds.
   • A small rabbit peeped out of its burrow.
   • Stars began to peep through the darkening sky.

   Synonymesappearemergepeekpop upshowsurface