perk

1 of 3

verb (1)

perked; perking; perks

intransitive verb

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

transitive verb

1
: to make smart or spruce in appearance : freshen, improve
often used with up
2
: to thrust up quickly or impudently

perk

2 of 3

verb (2)

perked; perking; perks

perk

3 of 3

noun

: 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
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
Both sides took a while to get going before nutmegs, take-ons and a few feisty slide tackles perked things up. Carl Anka, The Athletic, 10 Aug. 2024 While that legacy business has flagged since those heydays, the addition of caffeine to his portfolio has perked things up. Jonathan Burgos, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024
Noun
Unlock over $3,000 in NFT, web3 and crypto perks — Apply now! Billy Bambrough, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024 Learn more about the Sam's Club warehouse membership perks and save big for Black Friday 2024! Kasey Caminiti, USA TODAY, 29 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for perk 

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

Middle English

First Known Use

Verb (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Verb (2)

1922, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1824, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of perk was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near perk

Cite this Entry

“Perk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perk. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

perk

verb
ˈpərk
1
: to lift quickly or alertly
the dog perked up its ears
2
: to make fresher in appearance
new paint perked up the room
3
: to become more lively or cheerful
usually used with up
we perked up at the good news

More from Merriam-Webster on perk

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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