SINCE 1828
perk up
phrasal verb
perked up;
perking up;
perks up
Definition of perk 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 person My ears perked up when I heard my name mentioned.
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