perk

1 of 3

verb (1)

ˈpərk 

perked; perking; perks

intransitive verb

1

a

: to thrust up the head, stretch out the neck, or carry the body in a bold or insolent manner

b

: 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

perk

2 of 3

verb (2)

perked; perking; perks

intransitive verb

: percolate

perk

3 of 3

noun

: perquisite

—usually plural

Synonyms of perk

Verb (1)

• brighten
• cheer (up)

Noun

• bonus
• dividend
• gift

Examples of perk in a Sentence

Verb (1)

we perked up once the sun came out

the dog tilts her head and perks up her ears whenever someone speaks to her

Noun

the salary's not great, but the perks make up for it

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Some of the bonus perks the app regularly fed me weren’t available. — Jake Pearson, ProPublica, 26 Sep. 2026

This grants perks such as early check-in, late check-out and a complimentary upgrade when available. — Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026

Noun

Sharing a bed has real perks, and research points to measurable physiological benefits from close contact with a partner. — Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 18 Sep. 2026

There are still ways to save if you're set on snagging a new iPhone from Walmart specifically, plus a few perks to enjoy with your purchase. — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 18 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

Middle English

First Known Use

Verb (1)

1583, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1b

Verb (2)

1922, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1869, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing perk

• perk up
• perk (up) one's ears

Rhymes for perk

• berk
• birk
• cirque
• clerk
• dirk
• erk
• irk
• jerk
• kirk
• lurk
• merc
• merch

Kids Definition

perk

verb

ˈpərk

1

: to lift quickly or alertly

the dog perked up its ears

2

: to make fresher in appearance

new paint perked up the room

3

: to become more lively or cheerful

—usually used with up

we perked up at the good news