perk up

phrasal 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 person

My ears perked up when I heard my name mentioned.

Examples of perk up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Even just 1 to 2 inches of compost spread over your beds helps replenish nutrients, build soil structure, and perk up beneficial soil microbes and earthworm populations that make gardens thrive. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Nov. 2025

Fubo shares, which continue to trade on the New York Stock Exchange, perked up a fraction on the earnings news. —Dade Hayes, Deadline, 3 Nov. 2025

When Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay heard that Ferguson was training with Paulsen before the 2025 draft, his ears perked up. —Jourdan Rodrigue, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025

Already sounding like a proud parent, Jon Scheyer’s voice perked up even more. —Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 22 Oct. 2025

Rhymes for perk up

• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• buildup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• lockup
• makeup
• markup