noun

peak

peek

noun

The pointed top of a mountain or hill.

"Snow covered the peak long after the valley had thawed."

The highest point or value that something reaches.

"Traffic hits its peak around 8am on weekdays."

"Sales reached their peak just before the holidays."

adj

At the highest or best level; maximum.

"The gym is packed during peak hours after work."

verb

To reach the highest point or value before declining.

"His career peaked in his late twenties."

"Cases of the virus peaked in January and then fell steadily."

How to Use Peak

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe highest point of something, whether a mountain, a value, or a period of success — also used as a verb meaning to reach that highest point.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "peek" (a quick look) or "pique" (to provoke interest, as in "piqued my curiosity") — all three sound identical.

Easily confused with

peek → pique

Common pairings

peak season peak performance reach a peak past its peak

Word Forms

more peak comparative, peaked past tense, peaks plural, Peaks plural, peaks singular, most peak superlative

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

Snow covered the _____ long after the valley had thawed.

Etymology

From an older form related to "pike" — the same root that gives us the weapon and the sharp fish — ultimately from Old English pīc meaning "a sharp point".

Rhymes for peak

weak beak leak teak break speak wreak bleak creak freak sneak steak

See all rhymes for peak →