perky

adjective

ˈpər-kē 

perkier; perkiest

1

: briskly self-assured : cocky

2

: jaunty

a perky … waltz

—New Yorker

perkily

ˈpər-kə-lē 

adverb

perkiness

ˈpər-kē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• energetic
• lively
• animated
• active
• brisk
• animate
• cheerful
• bouncing

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

These seven-piece sets come in standard black, brown, grey and white colorways, as well as perky turquoise and blue hues. —Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 15 Aug. 2025

There are still perky young men in wetsuits to flirt with and brooding old flames who followed those rising late-20th-century market tides from the counterculture into banking, architecture, and travel writing. —Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 15 Aug. 2025

This perky, self-aware, sarcastic and downright silly show caters to both the more traditional Goodspeed audiences. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 14 July 2025

They’re designed with a contoured waistband that’s particularly designed to give your butt a perkier look. —Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for perky

• jerky
• murky
• quirky
• turki

Kids Definition

perky

adjective

ˈpər-kē 

perkier; perkiest

: being lively and cheerful

perkiness noun