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 personMy ears perked up when I heard my name mentioned.
Examples of perk up in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
My mom, a lifelong rider, perked up at the horseback safari option.
—
Rebekah Peppler, Travel + Leisure, 19 Sep. 2025
The trendy animal print pattern combined with the crisscross buckle design offers a sophisticated, retro feel that’ll perk up any classic pair of jeans.
—Melody Kazel, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
Overnight, the roots catch up and the leaves perk up.
—Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Sep. 2025
Get the recipe > Charred ears of sweet corn are bathed in nutty brown butter and perked up with tangy pepperoncini in this bold yet simple side from chefs and vegetable enthusiasts Sara Kramer and Sarah Hymanson of Kismet in Los Angeles.
—Saveur Editors, Saveur, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perk up
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Rebekah Peppler, Travel + Leisure, 19 Sep. 2025
The trendy animal print pattern combined with the crisscross buckle design offers a sophisticated, retro feel that’ll perk up any classic pair of jeans.
—Melody Kazel, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
Overnight, the roots catch up and the leaves perk up.
—Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Sep. 2025
Get the recipe > Charred ears of sweet corn are bathed in nutty brown butter and perked up with tangy pepperoncini in this bold yet simple side from chefs and vegetable enthusiasts Sara Kramer and Sarah Hymanson of Kismet in Los Angeles.
—Saveur Editors, Saveur, 4 Sep. 2025
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 30 Sep. 2025.
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