Peel Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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peel

[piːl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

fruit

To remove the skin or outer covering of a fruit or vegetable.

Synonyms

pare, skin, strip.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
peel	Used when removing the outer layer from fruits or vegetables using fingers or a simple tool. She peeled the apple before eating it. Peel the potatoes before boiling them.
skin	Used when removing the skin from meat, fish, or some fruits and vegetables. It can also refer to removing a larger, tougher layer. She skinned the chicken before cooking it. You need to skin the fish before grilling.
pare	Used for trimming off the outer layer of something, usually with a sharp knife. Often implies careful or precise cutting. He pared the pears to make a fruit salad. Pare the edges of the pie crust to make it neat.
strip	Used when removing a surface layer, often in a methodical or complete manner. It can also mean to remove items such as clothing or decorations. Strip the wallpaper before painting the walls. They stripped the old paint off the furniture.

Examples of usage

She peeled the apple before eating it.
Can you peel the potatoes for the soup?

^{Context #2 | Noun}

banana

The skin or outer covering of a fruit or vegetable.

Synonyms

husk, rind, skin.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
peel	Typically refers to removing the outer layer from fruits and vegetables. Often used when describing the process of preparing food. You need to peel the potatoes before boiling them Be sure to peel the apple for the pie
skin	Usually used to describe the thin outer layer of fruits and vegetables, as well as the protective outer layer of animals. In a negative context, it can imply removal of skin from animals. You don't need to remove the skin from cucumbers Carefully skin the fish before cooking
rind	Refers to the thick outer layer of certain fruits, like oranges, lemons, and watermelons, or the outer covering of cheese. Generally used in culinary contexts. Grate some lemon rind for added flavor The watermelon rind should be discarded before serving
husk	Commonly used for removing the dry outer covering of certain seeds and grains, like corn and coconuts. Often used in agricultural or food preparation settings. First, you need to husk the corn After harvesting, the rice grains are husked to remove the outer shell

Examples of usage

He slipped on a banana peel and fell.
Don't forget to throw the peel in the compost bin.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'peel'

The word 'peel' originated from Middle English 'pelen' which meant to remove the outer layers. It is related to Old English 'pilian' and Old Frisian 'pela', both with the same meaning. Over time, the word evolved to refer specifically to the action of removing the outer covering of fruits or vegetables.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,859, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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12856 ark
12857 sip
12858 facet
12859 peel
12860 elevate
12861 extrinsic
12862 jackets
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