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perp

1 of 2

noun

ˈpərp How to pronounce perp (audio)
plural perps
Synonyms of perpnext
: a perpetrator especially of a crime see also perp walk

perp

2 of 2

abbreviation

perpendicular

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
Following the launch of perps, traditional futures exchanges like CBOE and CME Group saw their stocks tumble on fears that the new futures type could disrupt their existing business models. — Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2026 Video obtained by Fox News Digital showed Paya being cuffed and taken away on a golf cart by federal police before another video showed him in an orange jumpsuit being perp-walked to a helicopter. — Eric MacK, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026 The situation is even sweeter for Hyperliquid because its customers are not just degens, but commodities traders using perps to swing oil contracts and other traditional assets 24/7. — Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026 With 5x leverage, for example, a user can pay $100 upfront for a perps contract worth $500. — Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 14 July 2026 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

Phrases Containing perp

Browse Nearby Words

peroxysulfuric acid
perp
per pais
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Perp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perp. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

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Legal Definition

perp

noun
ˈpərp How to pronounce perp (audio)
: a perpetrator of a crime

More from Merriam-Webster on perp

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for perp

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