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.
For generations, Dexter, Michigan, has been a popular stopover for fall leaf peepers looking for a cold swig of apple cider. — Stacey Brugeman, Midwest Living, 27 Aug. 2026 Over at Lutsen Mountains in Minnesota, leaf peepers can take the Summit Express to get some of the best views in the state, including sightings of the Sawtooth Mountains and Lake Superior. — Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Aug. 2026 Each fall vast portions of the country are blanketed with palettes of colorful foliage beckoning leaf peepers to come enjoy the dazzling displays. — Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 Warmer months are best for taking advantage of the property’s private lake, nearby hiking trails, and waterfalls, while autumn draws leaf peepers eager to experience the Blue Ridge Mountains at their most colorful. — Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 20 July 2026 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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