Definition of perk
intransitive verb
1a : to thrust up the head, stretch out the neck, or carry the body in a bold or insolent mannerb : to stick up or out jauntily
2 : to gain in vigor or cheerfulness especially after a period of weakness or depression —usually used with up he's perked up noticeably
transitive verb
1 : to make smart or spruce in appearance : freshen, improve —often used with up
2 : to thrust up quickly or impudently
Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd
Recent Examples of perk from the Web
-
True, Brazil’s industrial production is perking up after a two-year slump.
-
Two-year-old Charlotte — in a blue floral dress and matching shoes — quickly perked up when she was handed a mini bouquet to match mom.
-
TRINITY LAKE Action perked up this week for kokanee and landlocked salmon with most anglers using downriggers to get lures down to around 50 or 60 feet deep.
-
Past a certain point, the action becomes wearying, though things do perk up with the arrival of a nice little plot twist.
-
Among non-family caregiver perks some companies are dangling include help in repaying student loans, gym memberships, sabbaticals, and healthcare insurance for pets.
-
Squeezing one wee lemon wedge can perk up pasta, salads or beverages — a key ingredient despite its small part.
-
Quickley seemed to perk up when Larranaga told him of the NBA players who work out at the UM gym in the off-season, including Cleveland Cavaliers stars Kyrie Irving and LeBron James.
-
Even stock markets overseas, notoriously poor investments for much of the last decade, are perking higher.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'perk.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of perk
Middle English
Recent Examples of perk from the Web
-
True, Brazil’s industrial production is perking up after a two-year slump.
-
Two-year-old Charlotte — in a blue floral dress and matching shoes — quickly perked up when she was handed a mini bouquet to match mom.
-
TRINITY LAKE Action perked up this week for kokanee and landlocked salmon with most anglers using downriggers to get lures down to around 50 or 60 feet deep.
-
Past a certain point, the action becomes wearying, though things do perk up with the arrival of a nice little plot twist.
-
Among non-family caregiver perks some companies are dangling include help in repaying student loans, gym memberships, sabbaticals, and healthcare insurance for pets.
-
Squeezing one wee lemon wedge can perk up pasta, salads or beverages — a key ingredient despite its small part.
-
Quickley seemed to perk up when Larranaga told him of the NBA players who work out at the UM gym in the off-season, including Cleveland Cavaliers stars Kyrie Irving and LeBron James.
-
Even stock markets overseas, notoriously poor investments for much of the last decade, are perking higher.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'perk.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of perk
1922
Examples of perk in a Sentence
the salary's not great, but the perks make up for it
Recent Examples of perk from the Web
-
Annual fringe benefits include 24 vacation days that Torres-Rodriguez can carry over year to year, with the ability to cash out a maximum of 24 days at the end of her tenure — a perk that would amount to $24,000 at her current pay.
-
In a way that individual shareholders would have trouble doing, larger investors can act swiftly to put a check on managers who might pursue goals that enrich themselves, such as wasteful mergers, excessive executive compensation, or lush perks.
-
That's a $100/year fee for free-shipping and tons of other Amazon perks.
-
Unfortunately, Basecamp isn't hiring right now—apparently all those perks are enough to keep people around.
-
DeMoulin has dual citizenship, but that perk won't come along with the deed.
-
Santa's coming to town this month delivering deals, discounts, sweepstakes, exclusive experiences and other fun perks to our subscribers.
-
Make the most of your Courier-Journal membership with Xtras!. Log in to your digital subscription often to find perks, events, deals and exclusive content just for being a subscriber!
-
This perk can also put the kibosh on bleeding after birth, according to ACOG.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'perk.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of perk
1824
Other Business Terms
PERK Defined for English Language Learners
perk
Definition of perk for English Language Learners
-
: something extra that someone receives in addition to regular pay for doing a job
-
: a good thing that you have or get because of your situation
PERK Defined for Kids
perk
playDefinition of perk for Students
perked
;perking
1 : to make or become more lively or cheerful I perked up when I heard the good news.
2 : to make fresher in appearance Let's perk the room up with fresh paint.
3 : to lift in a quick, alert, or bold way The dog perked its ears.
Learn More about perk
-
See words that rhyme with perk Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for perk Spanish Central: Translation of perk Nglish: Translation of perk for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of perk for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about perk
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up perk? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!