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
Since then, Mora has racked up over 1,000 minutes of game time, commentators perking up when ‘El chamaco Mora’ — the kid, Mora — picks up the ball out on the left.
—
Thom Harris, New York Times, 8 July 2025
The South Texas native perks up Japanese sea bream (madai) with salsa verde and dots ceviche with cotija cheese and winks of serrano pepper, culinary moves that feel natural and not forced.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
The converted reliever would improve just about any postseason rotation, and the Royals may feel obliged to deal Lugo ahead of his looming free agency if MLB's lowest-scoring offense doesn't perk up in the coming weeks.
—Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 June 2025
Jalapeño aren’t just good for perking up wine…and recipes like salsa, guacamole, and chili, though.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for perk up
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Thom Harris, New York Times, 8 July 2025
The South Texas native perks up Japanese sea bream (madai) with salsa verde and dots ceviche with cotija cheese and winks of serrano pepper, culinary moves that feel natural and not forced.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
The converted reliever would improve just about any postseason rotation, and the Royals may feel obliged to deal Lugo ahead of his looming free agency if MLB's lowest-scoring offense doesn't perk up in the coming weeks.
—Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 June 2025
Jalapeño aren’t just good for perking up wine…and recipes like salsa, guacamole, and chili, though.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 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 13 Jul. 2025.
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