perp

1 of 2

noun

plural perps
: a perpetrator especially of a crime see also perp walk

perp

2 of 2

abbreviation

Examples of perp in a Sentence

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.
Noun
Authorities have had no luck finding the perps in the village of Oak Park, Illinois, officials said Tuesday, and are asking for the public’s help. Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 30 Apr. 2025 In this perp’s youth, a seemingly nascent case of schizophrenia was exacerbated by habitual LSD use and the yellow nattering Thronglets, which convinced him that their chirping contains a cryptic, apocalyptic message. Charles Bramesco, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2025 However, a small spatter of blood on the outside of the box could potentially be the perp’s. Nick Caruso, TVLine, 24 Jan. 2025 Some were made from mug shots and perp-walk photos that highlighted how young, handsome and sane Mangione appeared. Joshua Hunt, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for perp

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1968, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of perp was in 1968

Cite this Entry

“Perp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perp. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

Legal Definition

perp

noun
: a perpetrator of a crime

More from Merriam-Webster on perp

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!