perked; perking; perks
1
a
: to thrust up the head, stretch out the neck, or carry the body in a bold or insolent manner
b
: to stick up or out jauntily
2
: to gain in vigor or cheerfulness especially after a period of weakness or depression
—usually used with up
he's perked up noticeably
2
: to thrust up quickly or impudently
: perquisite
—usually used in plural
Examples of perk in a Sentence
Verb (1)
we perked up once the sun came out
the dog tilts her head and perks up her ears whenever someone speaks to her
Noun
the salary's not great, but the perks make up for it
Recent Examples on the Web
Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Oct. 2025
The mention of pesto above and making it with something other than the ubiquitous basil perked me up.
—Khalil Alhajal, Freep.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Jacqui Gifford, Travel + Leisure, 31 Oct. 2025
Other Health Factors to Consider In addition to their weight management and gut health perks, both nuts offer additional health benefits.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perk
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.
Verb
The peppers lend just enough heat to perk things up without overpowering the other elements.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Oct. 2025
The mention of pesto above and making it with something other than the ubiquitous basil perked me up.
—Khalil Alhajal, Freep.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Noun
Como Parrot Cay is also an American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts property, which gets card members complimentary daily breakfast for two and a $100 resort credit, among other perks.
—Jacqui Gifford, Travel + Leisure, 31 Oct. 2025
Other Health Factors to Consider In addition to their weight management and gut health perks, both nuts offer additional health benefits.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perk
Cite this Entry
“Perk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perk. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share