First Known Use: 1530
Dictionary
1peak
noun \ˈpēk\
: the pointed top of a mountain
: a tall mountain with a pointed or narrow top
: something that looks like a pointed top of a mountain
Full Definition of PEAK
1
: a pointed or projecting part of a garment; especially : the visor of a cap or hat
2
3
: a sharp or pointed end
4
a (1) : the top of a hill or mountain ending in a point (2) : a prominent mountain usually having a well-defined summit b : something resembling a mountain peak
5
a : the upper aftermost corner of a fore-and-aft sail b : the narrow part of a ship's bow or stern or the part of the hold in it
6
a : the highest level or greatest degree b : a high point in a course of development especially as represented on a graph
7
See peak defined for English-language learners
See peak defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of PEAK
perhaps alteration of pike
Synonym Discussion of PEAK
summit, peak, pinnacle, climax, apex, acme, culmination mean the highest point attained or attainable. summit implies the topmost level attainable <at the summit of the Victorian social scene>. peak suggests the highest among other high points <an artist working at the peak of her powers>. pinnacle suggests a dizzying and often insecure height <the pinnacle of worldly success>. climax implies the highest point in an ascending series <the war was the climax to a series of hostile actions>. apex implies the point where all ascending lines converge <the apex of Dutch culture>. acme implies a level of quality representing the perfection of a thing <a statue that was once deemed the acme of beauty>. culmination suggests the outcome of a growth or development representing an attained objective <the culmination of years of effort>.
Other Geology Terms
2peak
verb
Definition of PEAK
intransitive verb
: to reach a maximum (as of capacity, value, or activity) —often used with out
transitive verb
: to cause to come to a peak, point, or maximum
First Known Use of PEAK
1577
3peak
adjective
: at the highest point or level
: filled with the most activity
Full Definition of PEAK
: being at or reaching the maximum <peak levels> <peak output>; also : of, relating to, or being a period of maximum intensity or activity <peak business hours>
See peak defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of PEAK
1903
4peak
verb
Definition of PEAK
intransitive verb
1
: to grow thin or sickly
2
: to dwindle away
Origin of PEAK
origin unknown
First Known Use: 1605
5peak
verb
Definition of PEAK
transitive verb
1
: to set (as a gaff) nearer the perpendicular
2
: to hold (oars) with blades well raised
Origin of PEAK
from apeak held vertically
First Known Use: 1626
PEAK Defined for Kids
peak
noun \ˈpēk\
Definition of PEAK for Kids
1
: a prominent mountain <We saw a snowy peak rising from the plain.>
2
: the pointed top of a hill or mountain <I climbed all the way to the peak.>
3
: a sharp or pointed end <The roof rises to a peak.>
4
: the highest point of development <He is at the peak of his career.>
Learn More About PEAK
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: peak archPrevious Word in the Dictionary: pea jacketAll Words Near: peak
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up peak? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).