peeler: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Primarily neutral to informal, depending on meaning.
Quick answer
What does “peeler” mean?
A kitchen tool with a small, sharp blade for removing the skin from vegetables or fruit.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A kitchen tool with a small, sharp blade for removing the skin from vegetables or fruit.
Informally, can refer to a police officer (UK, dated), or to a person or machine that removes a layer from something (e.g., a chemical peel). Also used as a specific term in certain industries (e.g., 'potato peeler').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The slang term 'peeler' for a police officer is exclusively British/Irish and historical (originating from Sir Robert Peel, founder of the Metropolitan Police). This meaning is virtually unknown in modern American English. Both dialects use the tool sense identically.
Connotations
In the UK, the tool sense is neutral; the police sense is informal, somewhat dated, and may carry a neutral or slightly negative connotation. In the US, only the neutral tool sense exists.
Frequency
The tool sense is moderately frequent in both dialects. The police slang is very low frequency and archaic in modern UK English.
Grammar
How to Use “peeler” in a Sentence
Use [a peeler] to [peel potatoes].[The peeler] is for [removing skin].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could appear in procurement (e.g., 'ordering kitchen equipment').
Academic
Very rare, except in historical contexts (e.g., 'the Peelers of 19th century London').
Everyday
Common in domestic/cooking contexts.
Technical
Used in food processing/manufacturing for machinery (e.g., 'industrial potato peeler').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “peeler”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “peeler”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “peeler”
- Confusing 'peeler' (tool) with 'peeler' (police) in historical texts.
- Using 'peeler' as a synonym for any sharp kitchen tool (e.g., it's not a grater).
- Misspelling as 'pealler' or 'peeler'.
- Pronouncing as /ˈpiːlɪə/ (incorrect vowel).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, yes, but it can be used for any firm fruit or vegetable with a skin you wish to remove, like apples, potatoes, or courgettes.
No, 'peeler' is a noun. The related verb is 'to peel'. You peel a potato with a peeler.
The nickname originated in the early 19th century from Sir Robert Peel, who established the Metropolitan Police in London in 1829. The term 'Bobby' comes from the same origin.
A peeler is designed specifically for shaving off thin layers of skin safely and efficiently. A paring knife is a small, general-purpose knife that can be used for peeling but also for coring, trimming, and other detailed cutting tasks.
A kitchen tool with a small, sharp blade for removing the skin from vegetables or fruit.
Peeler is usually primarily neutral to informal, depending on meaning. in register.
Peeler: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpiːlə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpiːlər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A PEELer helps you PEEL fruit and vegetables.
Conceptual Metaphor
A TOOL IS AN EXTENSION OF THE HAND (for the kitchen implement).
Practice
Quiz
In which dialect and context is 'peeler' used to mean a police officer?