peak1 nounpeak2 verbpeak3 adjective
peakpeak1 /piːk/ ●●○ W3 noun [countable] 
WORD ORIGINpeak1
Origin:
1500-1600 Perhaps from pike ‘mountain, hill’ (13-21 centuries), probably from a Scandinavian languageEXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- the Alps' snow-covered peaks
- The Dow Jones closed at 10215 points, about 10% down from its peak
- April, September and October are peak months for your ambitions.
- At the peak of the sugar-boom of the early 1870s a mere 40,000 workers were employed in the Czech sugar-factories.
- Figures produced at a World Energy Conference showed that oil and gas production should reach a peak between 1985 and 2000.
- Go to fast food places at peak hours, when extra cooks and cashiers are working.
- Gold fever reached its peak nine years later with the discovery of the largest nugget in Colorado history.
- The slopes and peaks were so heavily wooded with dark pines that from a distance the mountains actually looked black.
- The time of peak becomes progressively earlier.
- We found no significant difference in peak recorded serum bilirubin concentrations between the groups.
THESAURUS
a very high hill: · the highest mountain in Austria
an area of land that is higher than the land around it, which is like a mountain but smaller and usually has a rounded top: · We went for a walk in the hills.· The house is surrounded by woods, farmland and gentle hills.
(also Mt written abbreviation) used in the names of mountains. Don’t say ‘Fuji Mountain’ – say ‘Mount Fuji’: · Mount Everest
the steep side of an area of land, often next to the sea: · the white cliffs of Dover
especially literary a very steep and dangerous cliff: · They were standing on the edge of a precipice.
a high steep rock or mountain: · An eagle sailed over the high crags.
a long narrow area of high ground, especially at the top of a mountain: · I could see a group of climbers high up on a ridge.
a small round hill: · a grassy knoll
a mountain with a large hole at the top, through which lava (=hot liquid rock) is sometimes forced out: · the eruption of a volcano
the very highest point of a mountain: · the summit of Mt Everest
especially literary the top of a mountain: · the snow-covered peaks of the Himalayas· a distant peak
a group of mountains or hills arranged in a line: · the mountain range that is part of the border between Norway and Sweden
a group of smaller hills below a range of high mountains: · the Sierra foothills
Longman Language Activatorwhen you do something better than you have ever done before when you are at your best you are performing at your highest level of skill: · At his best, he's one of the most exciting tennis players in the world.· This recording captures Grappelli at his very best.
British /be in top form American if someone who is good at doing something is on top form , they are doing it as well as they can: · "Sue gave a really good speech last night.'' "Yes, she was on top form.''· If the Yankees are in top form there is no one that can beat them.
if someone, especially a sports person, is at their peak , they are at the time in their life when they are playing best, running best etc: · Long-distance runners are usually at their peak in their mid-30s.· When he was at his peak, Nicklaus was one of the best golfers there has ever been.
if someone such as a great writer or musician is at the height of their powers , they are doing the best work of their whole life: · When Orwell wrote 'Animal Farm', he was at the height of his powers.· The film shows Jimi Hendrix, at the height of his powers, giving a brilliant version of 'All Along the Watchtower'.
WORD SETSanorak, nounarm, nounascot, nounBabygro, nounbalaclava, nounbandanna, nounbaseball cap, nounbasque, nounbathing cap, nounbathing costume, nounbathing suit, nounbathing trunks, nounbathrobe, nounbath towel, nounbeachwear, nounbeading, nounbeanie, nounbearskin, nounbell-bottoms, nounbelt, nounbelted, adjectiveberet, nounbespoke, adjectivebib, nounbikini, nounblack-tie, adjectiveblazer, nounblouse, nounblue jeans, nounboa, nounbobble, nounbobble hat, nounbobby socks, nounbodice, nounbody, nounbody stocking, nounbody suit, nounboiler suit, nounbolero, nounbolo tie, nounbomber jacket, nounbonnet, nounboob tube, nounboot, nounbootee, nounbootlace, nounbottom, nounboxer shorts, nounbra, nounbraid, nounbrassiere, nounbreeches, nounbritches, nounbrogue, nounBurberry, business suit, nounbustle, nouncaftan, nouncagoule, nouncamiknickers, nouncamisole, nouncap, nouncape, nouncardigan, nouncare label, nouncarpet slipper, nouncassock, nouncast-offs, nouncasual, adjectivecat suit, nounchemise, nounchinos, nounchinstrap, nouncloak, nouncloche, nounclog, nouncloth cap, nouncoat, nouncoattails, nouncocked hat, nouncony, nouncoonskin, adjectivecope, nouncorset, nouncourt shoe, nouncouture, nouncowboy hat, nouncowl, nouncowl neck, nouncrew neck, nouncrinoline, nouncuff, nounculottes, nouncummerbund, nouncut, noundeck shoe, noundeerstalker, noundelicates, nounderby, noundicky, noundinner jacket, noundog collar, noundonkey jacket, noundouble-breasted, adjectivedoublet, noundrainpipe trousers, noundrawstring, noundress, noundressing gown, noundress shirt, noundress uniform, noundrip-dry, adjectivedry-clean, verbdry cleaner's, nounduffel coat, noundungarees, nounduster, nounearmuffs, nounelbow, nounensemble, nounespadrille, nounevening dress, nounfalsies, nounfashion, nounfashion show, nounfastener, nounfeather boa, nounfeathered, adjectivefez, nounfishnet stockings, nounfitting, nounfitting room, nounflannel, nounflannelette, nounflat, adjectiveflat cap, nounfleece, nounflip-flops, nounflipper, nounfloor-length, adjectiveflounce, nounflounced, adjectivefly, nounfootwear, nounformal, nounfox, nounfray, verbfrilly, adjectivefrock, nounfrock coat, nounfull, adjectivefull dress, nounfur, nounfuzz, noungabardine, noungaiter, noungaloshes, noungarment, noungarter, noungarter belt, noungather, verbgather, noungathering, noungauntlet, noungear, noungetup, noungirdle, nounglove, noungloved, adjectivegown, noungreatcoat, nounG-string, noungumboot, noungusset, noungym shoe, noungymslip, nounhaberdasher, nounhaberdashery, nounhalter, nounhand-me-down, nounhanger, nounhankie, nounhard-wearing, adjectivehat, nounhatpin, nounhatter, nounheadband, nounheaddress, nounheadscarf, nounhem, nounhem, verbhemline, nounhip pocket, nounhobnailed, adjectivehomburg, nounhooded, adjectivehook and eye, nounhose, nounhosiery, nounhot pants, nounhousecoat, nouninformal, adjectiveinsole, nouninstep, nouniron, nouniron, verbironing, nounjackboot, nounjacket, nounjammies, nounjeans, nounjerkin, nounjersey, nounJockey shorts, nounjockstrap, nounjodhpurs, nounjogging suit, nounjumper, nounjumpsuit, nounkaftan, nounkerchief, nounkhakis, nounkilt, nounkimono, nounknee breeches, nounknickerbockers, nounknickers, nounlace, nounlace-up, nounlapel, nounleg, nounleggings, nounleotard, nounlinen, nounloafer, nounloincloth, nounlong, adjectivelong johns, nounlounge suit, nounlow, adjectivelow-cut, adjectiveLycra, nounmac, nounmackintosh, nounmantle, nounmasquerade, nounmatinée jacket, nounmenswear, nounmilliner, nounmillinery, nounmini, nounminiskirt, nounmink, nounmitt, nounmitten, nounmob cap, nounmoccasin, nounmoleskin, nounmonogram, nounmoon boot, nounmorning coat, nounmorning dress, nounmorning suit, nounmourning, nounmuff, nounmuffler, nounmukluks, nounmule, nounmuu-muu, nounname-tape, nounnational costume, nounnational dress, nounneck, nounneckerchief, nounnecktie, nounnegligee, nounnightcap, nounnightclothes, nounnightdress, nounnightgown, nounnightie, nounnightshirt, nounnightwear, nounnon-iron, adjectiveoff-the-peg, adjectiveoilskin, nounone-piece, adjectiveopen, adjectiveopen-necked, adjectiveouterwear, nounoutfitter, nounoutsize, adjectiveoverall, nounovercoat, nounoverdressed, adjectiveovershoe, nounoxford, nounpadded, adjectivepanama hat, nounpanel, nounpantaloons, nounpanties, nounpants, nounpantyhose, nounparka, nounpatch, nounpatch, verbpatent leather, nounpeak, nounpencil skirt, nounpetticoat, nounpillbox, nounpinafore, nounpinny, nounpith helmet, nounpj's, nounplimsoll, nounplus fours, nounpolo neck, nounpolo shirt, nounponcho, nounpre-shrunk, adjectivepull-on, adjectivepullover, nounputtee, nounpyjamas, nounraglan, adjectiveraincoat, nounrainproof, adjectiveready-to-wear, adjectiveregalia, nounrevealing, adjectiverobe, nounrobed, adjectiverubber boot, nounruff, nounruffle, nounrun, verbrun, nounsable, nounsaddle shoe, nounsailor suit, nounsandal, nounsari, nounsarong, nounsartorial, adjectivesash, nounsatchel, nounscarf, nounschool tie, nounscoop neck, nounseamed, adjectiveseamless, adjectiveseparates, nounshawl, nounshell suit, nounshirt, nounshirtfront, nounshirt tail, nounshoe, nounshoehorn, nounshoelace, nounshoemaker, nounshoestring, nounshoulder, nounshoulder strap, nounshowerproof, adjectivesinglet, nounskin-tight, adjectiveskirt, nounskull cap, nounslicker, nounslingback, nounslip, nounslip-ons, nounslipper, nounsmock, nounsmoking jacket, nounsmuggling, nounsnap, nounsnappy, adjectivesneaker, nounsnowshoe, nounsnug, adjectivesock, nounsole, nounsole, verbsombrero, nounsou'wester, nounsox, nounsporran, nounsport coat, nounsport jacket, nounsports coat, nounsport shirt, nounsports jacket, nounsports shirt, nounsporty, adjectivestay, nounStetson, nounstiletto, nounstocking, nounstole, nounstone-washed, adjectivestraitjacket, nounstrip, nounstud, nounsuit, nounsundress, nounsun hat, nounsurplice, nounsuspender belt, nounsweatband, nounsweater, nounsweatpants, nounsweatshirt, nounsweat suit, nounswimming costume, nounswimming trunks, nounswimsuit, nounswimwear, nountailcoat, nountank top, nountee shirt, nounten-gallon hat, nounTerylene, nounthermal, adjectivethong, nounthree-piece suit, nountights, nountoga, nountop, nountopcoat, nountopee, nountop hat, nountopi, nountopper, nountracksuit, nountrain, nountrench coat, nountrilby, nountrousers, nountrouser suit, nounT-shirt, nountube top, nountuck, verbtuck, nountunic, nounturban, nounturtleneck, nountutu, nountuxedo, nountweed, nountwinset, nountwo-piece, adjectiveunderclothes, noununderdressed, adjectiveundergarment, noununderpants, nounundershirt, noununderwear, nounundies, noununiform, noununiformed, adjectiveunion suit, nounupper, nounveil, nounvelour, nounvelvet, nounvisor, nounvoluminous, adjectivewaist, nounwaistband, nounwaistcoat, nounwaistline, nounwardrobe, nounwashing, nounwaterproof, nounwear, nounwedding dress, nounwellie, nounwellington, nounwelly, nounwet-look, adjectivewet suit, nounwimple, nounwind breaker, nounwing collar, nounwingtip, nounwool, nounwoollen, adjectivewoollens, nounwoolly, adjectivewoolly, nounworsted, nounwrap, nounwrap-around, adjectivewrinkle, nounwristband, nounY-fronts, nounyoke, nounzoot suit, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY Meaning 1verbs
Earnings hit a peak in the early 1980s. Telephone charges are lower during off-peak periods.
1time [usually singular] the time when something or someone is best, greatest, highest, most successful etcat something’s peak· The strawberry season is now at its peak.
· By the next Olympics, she will be past her peak.
(also hit a peak informal)· The traffic reaches a peak between 5 and 6 pm.· The company’s stock hit a peak of about $23.
· Visitor numbers have fallen from a peak of 1.8 million per year to under 1 million.
phrases (=high points and low points)· Sales went through a number of peaks and troughs in the last fiscal year.
Meaning 2ADJECTIVES/NOUN + peak· All around are the spectacular mountain peaks of the Jungfrau region.
· Mount McKinley is Alaska’s highest peak.
· The snow-capped peaks of the Sorondo mountain range provide a dramatic backdrop.
(=with several sharp points)· At first all I could see was the hazy black outline of a jagged peak.
· The Castle is situated on a rocky peak.
· The mist cleared to reveal the distant peaks across the valley.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES (=worn as part of a uniform)· She wore a sailor's peaked cap.
Earnings hit a peak in the early 1980s. (=the top of a mountain)· Clouds hid the mountain peaks.
Telephone charges are lower during off-peak periods. (=be the best or most successful that you will ever be)· Most players don’t reach their peak until their late twenties.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE· The result is shown in Fig.2; in three out of five cases a high peak is present at over 95% confidence.· Though over 40 when she started, she would eventually climb the highest peaks on six of the seven continents.· The summit of Kilgrimol was almost level, bearing only a small round building of stone with a high peak of thatch.· My interest in debating reached a high peak at Duke.· Gran Sasso to the north is the highest peak in the Apennine range, and a cable-car runs up to Campo Imperatore.· This time she threaded her way through the high peaks of the Rockies without incident.· More distant were higher peaks, tipped with snow.· In the Cherangani mountains, looking towards Sondhang, one of the highest peaks in the range.
VERB· By 1973 the profit rate in business and manufacturing had fallen from its previous peak in each major bloc by about one-third.
· Worst affected will be those who upped borrowings when miners' earnings hit a peak in the early 80s.· It is one of several hormones that hit peak levels in the bloodstream in early adulthood and then decline steadily.· It hit a peak on 20 October with 16,188 barrels, the highest daily figure recorded since production started in 1987.· Terfel hits the peaks early and never falters.· The blade hit the peak of the man's cloth-covered helmet, ringing his ears like the knell of doom.· Since futures prices hit their peak, they have fallen by 54 percent, to around $ 1. 08 a pound.· Printer and software sales also hit a peak.
· Tax cutting may also have passed its peak.· A few of the 1995s might be good but most almost have certainly passed their peak.· After passing the shapely peak of Ben Resipol, the road reaches a fertile side valley occupied by the village of Strontian.
· In the 1630s the tobacco boom showed signs of having reached its peak.· Fonti was concerned about problems of access and coordination on the site now that it had reached peak activity.· He has no immediate plans to retire, having reached a peak in his career.· Evolution had reached its peak and was going backwards.· I just think Tony Jacklin had reached his peak.· Every 13 weeks Beck receives 300 units of the botulinum toxin, which reaches peak effect in about five weeks.· As the two small squares grow so the trio reaches a peak of energy and declines into a single large square.· It reached a peak as miners surged in against the riot shields.
· Dadadadada ... He was half way through the Immelmann Turn when he became aware that Emily's commentary was rising to a peak.· The national median rose from a peak of $ 88, 623 to $ 90, 376 over the same period.· Above the town rose the 4,000-foot peak of Mount Wellington, the only vestige of untamed nature.
The British Empire was at its peak in the mid 19th century. Sales this month have reached a new peak. Most athletes reach their peak in their mid-20s. He’s past his peak as a tennis player. Oil production is down from its peak of two years ago.at the peak of something Hotel rooms are difficult to find at the peak of the holiday season. the peaks and troughs of the US economy (=high and low points)2mountain a)the sharply pointed top of a mountain: snow-capped mountain peaks jagged peaks b)a mountain: Mount McKinley is Alaska’s highest peak.3point a part that forms a point above a surface or at the top of something: Whisk the egg whites until they form stiff peaks.4hat especially British English the flat curved part of a cap that sticks out in front above your eyes SYN visor American EnglishCOLLOCATIONS– Meaning 1verbsbe at its peak· The strawberry season is now at its peak.be past your peak· By the next Olympics, she will be past her peak.reach a peak (also hit a peak informal)· The traffic reaches a peak between 5 and 6 pm.· The company’s stock hit a peak of about $23.fall from a peak· Visitor numbers have fallen from a peak of 1.8 million per year to under 1 million.phrasespeaks and troughs (=high points and low points)· Sales went through a number of peaks and troughs in the last fiscal year.COLLOCATIONS– Meaning 2ADJECTIVES/NOUN + peaka mountain peak· All around are the spectacular mountain peaks of the Jungfrau region.the highest peak· Mount McKinley is Alaska’s highest peak.a snowy/snow-capped peak· The snow-capped peaks of the Sorondo mountain range provide a dramatic backdrop.a jagged peak (=with several sharp points)· At first all I could see was the hazy black outline of a jagged peak.a rocky peak· The Castle is situated on a rocky peak.a distant peak· The mist cleared to reveal the distant peaks across the valley.peak1 nounpeak2 verbpeak3 adjective
peakpeak2 ●○○ verb [intransitive] VERB TABLE
peak
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | peak |
| he, she, it | peaks | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | peaked |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have peaked |
| he, she, it | has peaked | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had peaked |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will peak |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have peaked |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am peaking |
| he, she, it | is peaking | |
| you, we, they | are peaking | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was peaking |
| you, we, they | were peaking | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been peaking |
| he, she, it | has been peaking | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been peaking |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be peaking |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been peaking |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Commentators feel that the Bears haven't peaked yet this season.
- Fifty-one canal acts were secured between 1791 and 1796, peaking in 1793-4.
- It will likely peak in about three to five years but has the stuffing to last a decade.
- The hotel below the line where the water had finally peaked was a complete mess.
- The stock opened at 201 / 4, peaked at 203 / 4 and now trades at 9.
- Thomas' secular career peaked when he was appointed the archbishop of Canterbury.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES Earnings hit a peak in the early 1980s. Telephone charges are lower during off-peak periods.
to reach the highest point or level: (=worn as part of a uniform)· She wore a sailor's peaked cap.
Earnings hit a peak in the early 1980s. (=the top of a mountain)· Clouds hid the mountain peaks.
Telephone charges are lower during off-peak periods. (=be the best or most successful that you will ever be)· Most players don’t reach their peak until their late twenties.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSNOUN· As the forecast assumed interest rates would peak at 14 percent it has already been eclipsed by events.· The rate of business relocations peaked in 1992, then fell in 1993 and 1994.· But the Treasury warned that it was too early to predict whether the unemployment rate had peaked.· Birth rates for teens peaked in 1991 and have been declining since.· In 1926, the exchange rate peaked at fifty francs to the dollar; later, it leveled off at twenty.
Sales peaked in August, then fell sharply.peak at Wind speeds peaked at 105 mph yesterday.peak1 nounpeak2 verbpeak3 adjective
peakpeak3 ●○○ adjective [only before noun] EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Hotel prices rise considerably during peak season.
- In the peak month of July the market sold three hundred tons of melons a day.
- There should be more buses to cope with the extra passengers at peak times.
- We usually have two people working in the shop, but at peak periods we employ extra staff.
Longman Language Activatora time when a place is busy
· The morning is our busy time here. It's quieter in the afternoon.· July is our busiest month, when all the tourists come.
extremely busy, so that you are always in a hurry, and often feel worried or excited: · In the last hectic weeks before the show started we were practically living in the theatre to get it ready on time.· There are two hundred guests arriving in one hour! That's why things are so hectic!
the time in the morning and evening when a lot of people are travelling to or from work at the same time: · The rush hour in most British cities does not start until about 8 o'clock.· The buses are so crowded during the rush hour, you never get a seat.
the peak time or period is the time when shops, roads, trains etc are busiest: · There should be more buses to cope with the extra passengers at peak times.· We usually have two people working in the shop, but at peak periods we employ extra staff.· In the peak month of July the market sold three hundred tons of melons a day.
a very busy time when a lot of people are shopping or travelling: · Buy your tickets early and avoid the rush.the Christmas/summer/weekend etc rush: · We're building up our stocks of books and toys to get ready for the Christmas rush.
when there are a lot of people moving around and doing things, especially in a busy town or city: · Relax on the beach or enjoy the hustle and bustle of the busy fishing port.· It's hard to imagine that the park is only a few minutes' walk from the hustle and bustle of midtown Manhattan.
the time of year when a tourist area is busy and a lot of people go there: · The season begins in May, and most of the hotels open then.· This place gets so crowded during the season. It's much nicer in the winter when the tourists have gone.in season (=during the season): · Don't travel to Benidorm in season. The hotels are crowded.high season/low season (=when a place is busiest or least busy): · They put their prices up considerably during the high season.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY a shampoo designed to keep your hair in peak condition If you phone during the day you pay the peak rate for calls. periods of peak demand for electricity Extra buses run at peak times. Hotel prices rise during the peak season.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES Earnings hit a peak in the early 1980s. Telephone charges are lower during off-peak periods.
1used to talk about the best, highest, or greatest level or amount of something: a shampoo designed to keep your hair in peak condition If you phone during the day you pay the peak rate for calls. periods of peak demand for electricity Extra buses run at peak times. Hotel prices rise during the peak season. (=worn as part of a uniform)· She wore a sailor's peaked cap.
Earnings hit a peak in the early 1980s. (=the top of a mountain)· Clouds hid the mountain peaks.
Telephone charges are lower during off-peak periods. (=be the best or most successful that you will ever be)· Most players don’t reach their peak until their late twenties.
Gasoline prices are 14% below the peak level they hit in November. a shampoo designed to keep your hair in peak condition If you phone during the day you pay the peak rate for calls. periods of peak demand for electricity2British English the peak time or period is when the greatest number of people are doing the same thing, using the same service etc: Extra buses run at peak times. Hotel prices rise during the peak season.3peak oil/coal/gas the time when the rate of getting oil, coal, or gas out of the ground has reached its highest level, after which it will gradually begin to get lower: Some scientists believe we have already reached peak oil.