perk

verb \ ˈpərk \

Definition of perk

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

Recent Examples of perk from the Web

So when author Zadie Smith's comments about makeup went viral recently, my ears immediately perked up.

— lara witt, Teen Vogue, "Why Wearing Makeup Is Not a Waste of Time," 30 Aug. 2017
This will be Thorne’s first introduction to the Star Wars universe, a detail that might perk up the ears of detail-attuned fans.

— yohana desta, HWD, "The Man Re-Writing Colin Trevorrow’s Star Wars Is Fantasy’s Best Secret Weapon," 2 Aug. 2017
Gaynor perks his voice up to imitate a friend who'd played that version.

— sam machkovech, Ars Technica, "How Gone Home’s creators rewound time to find their sci-fi future," 1 Aug. 2017
True, Brazil’s industrial production is perking up after a two-year slump.

— The Economist, "Latin America’s disappointing economic growth," 20 July 2017
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.

— erin hill, PEOPLE.com, "These Photos of Sleepy Prince George (and Scene-Stealing Princess Charlotte!) Will Make Your Morning," 19 July 2017
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.

— sacbee, "Shad fishing still has promise as salmon season approaches," 3 July 2017
Past a certain point, the action becomes wearying, though things do perk up with the arrival of a nice little plot twist.

— stephanie zacharek, Time, "Review: The New Spider-Man’s Coolest Superpower? He's Just a Kid," 30 June 2017
Among non-family caregiver perks some companies are dangling include help in repaying student loans, gym memberships, sabbaticals, and healthcare insurance for pets.

— barb darrow, Fortune, "Microsoft Expands Paid Leave for Family Caregivers," 27 June 2017

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

perk

verb

Definition of perk

intransitive verb

:percolate

Recent Examples of perk from the Web

So when author Zadie Smith's comments about makeup went viral recently, my ears immediately perked up.

— lara witt, Teen Vogue, "Why Wearing Makeup Is Not a Waste of Time," 30 Aug. 2017
This will be Thorne’s first introduction to the Star Wars universe, a detail that might perk up the ears of detail-attuned fans.

— yohana desta, HWD, "The Man Re-Writing Colin Trevorrow’s Star Wars Is Fantasy’s Best Secret Weapon," 2 Aug. 2017
Gaynor perks his voice up to imitate a friend who'd played that version.

— sam machkovech, Ars Technica, "How Gone Home’s creators rewound time to find their sci-fi future," 1 Aug. 2017
True, Brazil’s industrial production is perking up after a two-year slump.

— The Economist, "Latin America’s disappointing economic growth," 20 July 2017
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.

— erin hill, PEOPLE.com, "These Photos of Sleepy Prince George (and Scene-Stealing Princess Charlotte!) Will Make Your Morning," 19 July 2017
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.

— sacbee, "Shad fishing still has promise as salmon season approaches," 3 July 2017
Past a certain point, the action becomes wearying, though things do perk up with the arrival of a nice little plot twist.

— stephanie zacharek, Time, "Review: The New Spider-Man’s Coolest Superpower? He's Just a Kid," 30 June 2017
Among non-family caregiver perks some companies are dangling include help in repaying student loans, gym memberships, sabbaticals, and healthcare insurance for pets.

— barb darrow, Fortune, "Microsoft Expands Paid Leave for Family Caregivers," 27 June 2017

First Known Use of perk

1922

perk

noun

Definition of perk

:perquisite —usually used in plural

See perk defined for English-language learners

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

The government offers a 30 percent discount on land, streamlined regulations and other perks for companies that set up in the facility.

— michael schuman, New York Times, "China, Like U.S., Struggles to Revive Industrial Heartland," 22 Aug. 2017
In addition to the perks other ticket holders enjoy and gourmet food from Sullivan's Steakhouse, the ticket includes unlimited sampling of specialty wines.

— annie alleman, Naperville Sun, "New venue, same Naperville Wine Festival fun," 21 Aug. 2017
Attached home living can offer a lot of perks, including little to no upkeep and not having to worry about leaf and snow removal.

— erik j. martin and james alexander, courant.com, "Consider these points before purchasing a townhome, condo, or multifamily home," 18 Aug. 2017
Adam Popescu visited the terminal for VF.com and actually used it before a flight to Bali, then reported back on the many perks, which range from pre-flight massages to a BMW that takes you directly to the plane.

— rebecca keegan, vanityfair.com, "Daniel Craig Is Back in Black," 16 Aug. 2017
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.

— Courant Community, "Hartford Superintendent Gets $260,000 Salary Under New Contract," 17 July 2017
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.

— mihir a. desai, The Atlantic, "Capitalism the Apple Way vs. Capitalism the Google Way," 10 July 2017
That's a $100/year fee for free-shipping and tons of other Amazon perks.

— darren orf, Popular Mechanics, "These are Amazon's Best Prime Day Deals (So Far)," 10 July 2017
Unfortunately, Basecamp isn't hiring right now—apparently all those perks are enough to keep people around.

— kelly o'sullivan, Country Living, "This Illinois Company Gives Its Employees $5,000 a Year to Go On Vacation," 30 June 2017