leaf peeper

noun

US
: a person who visits wooded areas in autumn to view the changing colors of the foliage
Leaf peepers in northern Maine will find more orange blazing in the forestlands than they might have found in previous years …—Down East
leaf-peeping
ˈlēf-ˌpē-piŋ How to pronounce leaf peeper (audio)
noun US
… Woodstock, Vermont—one of New England's prettiest towns and a prime destination for fall leaf peeping. —Danielle Pergament

Examples of leaf peeper in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In fall, the vibrant foliage draws leaf peepers. — Robert Annis, Midwest Living, 16 May 2026 This fall, New England’s famous foliage show may not last as long as leaf peepers hope. — Viola Flowers, NBC news, 20 Sep. 2025 Even with far fewer rangers and limited services, leaf peepers and wildlife watchers continue to drive Trail Ridge Road and hike the park’s trails. — AFAR Media, 23 Oct. 2025 Local reporting describes heavy traffic, overflow parking, and crowding at overlooks as leaf peepers arrive during good weather windows. — Monica Sanders, Forbes.com, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for leaf peeper

Word History

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of leaf peeper was in 1965

Rhymes for leaf peeper

See All Rhymes for leaf peeper

Browse Nearby Words

leaf out
leaf peeper
leaf plant
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Leaf peeper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leaf%20peeper. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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