perkier; perkiest
1
: briskly self-assured : cocky
2
: jaunty
a perky … waltzNew Yorker
perkily adverb
perkiness noun

Examples of perky in a Sentence

He hasn't been his perky self lately. She drove around in a perky little car.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
My inner circle also made sure my body angles were flattering, my cheeks — all of them — were flushed and perky, and my facial expressions were authentic and strong. Mark Gray, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025 John wrote a perky boy’s adventure theme, usually performed by tuba, which accompanies Kevin’s more carefree moments. Tim Greiving, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2025 The shade, which is not too dark, not too perky, acts as the Goldilocks of blues. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Aug. 2025 After having a child and breastfeeding for over a year, as well as a dramatic weight loss (50+ pounds), my once-perky 36C breasts have undergone substantial volume loss. Dory Zayas, Allure, 29 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for perky

Word History

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of perky was in 1820

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Cite this Entry

“Perky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perky. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

perky

adjective
perkier; perkiest
: being lively and cheerful
perkiness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on perky

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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