1
: relating to, using, or being a network by which computers operated by individuals can share information and resources directly without relying on a dedicated central server (see server sense 6)
In peer-to-peer computing, every client can be a server. You string together two or more computers, and everyone can share files, programs, drives …, printers, and anything else that's attached.Steve Bass
2
: existing or done between peers
In 2010, the Texas National Guard implemented its peer-to-peer counseling initiative, and since then more than 800 National Guard troops have been trained to identify warning signs of mental distress and refer soldiers for more intensive care.Jeremy Schwartz
George Washington's resident advisers are undergraduates who live in student housing so they can have informal, peer-to-peer mentoring relationships with other undergraduates, to whom they serve as role models.Peter Schmidt

Did you know?

The term peer-to-peer is a relatively recent addition to the English language, being little more than a half-century old. In its earliest known uses from the 1960s, it referred to something that occurs directly between human peers, people who are similar in age, grade, or status. It can still be found in this use in phrases such as "peer-to-peer tutoring." With the emergence of computer networking, peer-to-peer began to be used in reference to a system of computers that are able to communicate directly with one another without the mediation of a centralized server. Since the turn of the 21st century, peer-to-peer lending—the borrowing and lending of money through online services—has become increasingly common. You might also encounter peer-to-peer in the techy abbreviated form P2P, as in "P2P networking."

Examples of peer-to-peer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Secret peer-to-peer discussions exploded as the most angered mods worked to rally more support. Paresh Dave, WIRED, 14 Mar. 2024 In 2020, regulators declared victory in cleaning up China's online peer-to-peer lending industry, or P2P. Wealth management companies also have gotten into trouble. Dake Kang, Quartz, 13 Mar. 2024 Most Americans have accounts with at least one peer-to-peer payment app such as Venmo, Zelle or PayPal. Liz Weston, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2024 One of the measures determining whether something is a security has to do with centralized control, and during the early days of Ethereum’s the peer-to-peer network was controlled by a small group of developers. Steven Ehrlich, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Even after a peer-to-peer review, in which her physician discussed with Navitus why Hwang needed the medication, she was denied for the final time in early November. Quinn Clark, Journal Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2024 The local nonprofit Grant Us Hope has implemented the peer-to-peer suicide prevention program in more than 240 schools across Ohio. The Enquirer, 23 Feb. 2024 Cybercriminals then threaten their victims with wide distribution of the explicit images, including to the victims’ friends and families, unless the victims send money through a variety of peer-to-peer payment apps, cryptocurrency transfers or gift cards. Ben Goggin, NBC News, 15 Feb. 2024 One in 5 victims reported losing more than $5,000 as a result of financial exploitation that involved peer-to-peer payment apps, such as Zelle, PayPal and Venmo, according to a new survey released Thursday by AARP. Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press, 8 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'peer-to-peer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1963, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of peer-to-peer was in 1963

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Dictionary Entries Near peer-to-peer

Cite this Entry

“Peer-to-peer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peer-to-peer. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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