perk up
phrasal 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 personMy ears perked up when I heard my name mentioned.
Examples of perk up in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
When Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay heard that Ferguson was training with Paulsen before the 2025 draft, his ears perked up.
—
Jourdan Rodrigue, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Already sounding like a proud parent, Jon Scheyer’s voice perked up even more.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 22 Oct. 2025
But just in time, there’s usually a ridiculous action set piece involving snowmobiles, horses, helicopters or some combination thereof to make the viewer perk up and pay attention.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 10 Oct. 2025
As a professional organizer, my ears perk up anytime someone mentions the words ‘declutter’, ‘organize’, or ‘tidy,' in a conversation about productivity.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perk up
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Jourdan Rodrigue, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Already sounding like a proud parent, Jon Scheyer’s voice perked up even more.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 22 Oct. 2025
But just in time, there’s usually a ridiculous action set piece involving snowmobiles, horses, helicopters or some combination thereof to make the viewer perk up and pay attention.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 10 Oct. 2025
As a professional organizer, my ears perk up anytime someone mentions the words ‘declutter’, ‘organize’, or ‘tidy,' in a conversation about productivity.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perk up
Cite this Entry
“Perk up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perk%20up. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.
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