Peel: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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