perky

adjective

ˈpər-kē 

perkier; perkiest

1

a

: alert and full of vigor

… the caffeine makes it the rare dessert that leaves you feeling perkier …

—Stephanie Bedford

especially : cheerfully energetic

He's as perky as a male cheerleader.

—Franklin Foer

b

: lively in manner, effect, or appearance : jaunty

a perky pop song

drove a perky little sports car

… the wine's perky effervescence …

—Wine Enthusiast Magazine

c

: briskly self-assured : cocky

… off I went, perky as a peacock.

—Ellis Parker Butler

2

a

: sticking or standing up or out

dog breeds with perky ears

She was skinny and had a little perky nose.

—Asma Hasan

b

: not sagging : taut

… a surgical treatment that makes the buttocks perkier and rounder …

—Ellie Muir

c

: not limp or wilted : fresh

The blossoms are the perkiest when plucked straight out of your garden.

—Amisha Gurbani

perkily

ˈpər-kə-lē 

adverb

perkiness

ˈpər-kē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of perky

• 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

The fourth season of the Hulu sensation The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives was dropping 10 new episodes of soft waves, plump lips, and perky breasts. —Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 26 Mar. 2026

The super high-rise fit defines my waist, while a curved yoke and higher back pockets create a perkier look. —Elizabeth Mitchell Kadar, Glamour, 24 Mar. 2026

Gratefully, the mood stays perky-platonic. —Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026

Songs with these perky tempos can reduce fatigue but lead to dangerous driving, according to the study. —Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined at sense 1c

Rhymes for perky

• jerky
• murky
• quirky
• turki

Kids Definition

perky

adjective

ˈpər-kē 

perkier; perkiest

: being lively and cheerful

perkiness noun