peel: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral. Common in everyday, culinary, and maintenance contexts.
Quick answer
What does “peel” mean?
To remove the outer layer or skin from a fruit, vegetable, or other object.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To remove the outer layer or skin from a fruit, vegetable, or other object.
Can refer to the outer skin/rind itself that is removed, or metaphorically to something coming off in layers or strips (e.g., paint peeling). Also used for the act of undressing quickly or moving away from a group (e.g., 'peel off').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. The noun 'rind' (for cheese, citrus) or 'skin' (for potatoes, bananas) might be preferred in some contexts, but 'peel' is universally understood.
Connotations
Equally neutral in both dialects.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in culinary contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “peel” in a Sentence
[VN] (peel the potato)[V] (The wallpaper is peeling.)[V-ADJ] (Peel the stickers off carefully.)[VN-ADJ] (Peel the backing paper away.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “peel” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- Add the grated zest of one lemon, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath the peel.
- She slipped on a discarded banana peel.
- Save your potato peelings for the compost bin.
American English
- A twist of orange peel garnished the cocktail.
- The classic comic slip on a banana peel.
- The adhesive has a strong peel resistance.
verb
British English
- Could you peel the spuds for dinner?
- The old sun cream caused his skin to peel.
- The cyclist managed to peel away from the main pack.
American English
- Peel the oranges for the fruit salad.
- The decal on his truck is starting to peel.
- He peeled out of the parking lot with a screech.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in manufacturing (e.g., 'peel-off labels').
Academic
Rare, except in specific biological or materials science contexts.
Everyday
Very common, especially in cooking and home maintenance.
Technical
Used in materials science (e.g., 'peel strength' of adhesives), dermatology (skin peeling).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “peel”
- Incorrect: 'I peeled out the banana.' Correct: 'I peeled the banana.' (The 'off/away' is often implied)
- Incorrect: 'My skin is peeling.' (correct) vs. 'My skin is peeling off.' (can be redundant).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While most common for fruits and vegetables, it applies to any outer layer that comes off: paint, wallpaper, skin after sunburn, stickers, etc.
'Peel' is the general term. 'Pare' is more precise, often implying careful trimming with a knife (e.g., pare an apple). 'Skin' is often used for removing animal skins or the thin layer on things like potatoes or almonds.
It's an idiom meaning to stay very alert and watchful, as if your eyelids are peeled back. It has nothing to do with actual peeling.
Yes. It refers to the skin/rind that has been removed (e.g., 'a pile of orange peels') or a single piece of it (e.g., 'a candied peel').
To remove the outer layer or skin from a fruit, vegetable, or other object.
Peel is usually neutral. common in everyday, culinary, and maintenance contexts. in register.
Peel: in British English it is pronounced /piːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /piːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Keep your eyes peeled (be watchful)”
- “Peel out (depart quickly, especially in a vehicle)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a PEEL of yellow banana skin lying on the floor – it looks like a long, yellow letter 'P'.
Conceptual Metaphor
REMOVING A SURFACE IS PEELING (e.g., 'peel back the layers of the mystery').
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'peel' used metaphorically?