perk up

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

Blue and white, gold, mixed with stripes rendered in the brightest hues, polka dots have perked up seasonal summer fashions, especially swimwear, for decades. — Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 24 July 2026

Coco Gauff said something in her on-court interview Tuesday, after reaching her first Wimbledon semifinal with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 win against Jessica Pegula, that should’ve perked up the ears of anyone who’d watched the match. — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 7 July 2026

But a few pumps of this serum later, and my skin instantly perks up. — Sarah Han, Allure, 6 July 2026

According to the menswear maestros, a beaded belt is this summer’s must-have accessory–one that will easily perk up jeans and a simple tee. — Christina Holevas, Vogue, 5 July 2026

Rhymes for perk up

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