perk up
verb
perked up; perking up; perks up
informal
1
: to become more lively or cheerful or to make (someone) more lively or cheerful
We perked up when we heard the good news.
The good news perked everyone up.
2
: to make (something) fresher or more appealing
The new paint job really perked up the room.
3
chiefly US, of an animal's ears
: to be lifted in a quick and alert way
The dog's ears perked up.
—often used figuratively of a personMy ears perked up when I heard my name mentioned.
Examples of perk up in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
If the plant perks up in the evening because the soil is still moist, this is a normal, temporary response to extreme heat.
—
Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 20 June 2026
No matter what style Barnes is toying with, their antenna perks up when relationships start to fray.
—Ethan Beck, Pitchfork, 9 June 2026
These verdant noodles are the ideal side dish to perk up any summer meal.
—Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 June 2026
Palmy wallpaper from Cole & Son perks up a hall.
—Gary Thompson, Midwest Living, 5 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for perk up
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.
Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 20 June 2026
No matter what style Barnes is toying with, their antenna perks up when relationships start to fray.
—Ethan Beck, Pitchfork, 9 June 2026
These verdant noodles are the ideal side dish to perk up any summer meal.
—Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 June 2026
Palmy wallpaper from Cole & Son perks up a hall.
—Gary Thompson, Midwest Living, 5 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for perk up
Cite this Entry
“Perk up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perk%20up. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
