perk

1 of 3

verb (1)

ˈpərk 

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

intransitive verb

: percolate

perk

3 of 3

noun

: perquisite

—usually used in plural

Synonyms

Verb (1)

• brighten
• buck up
• cheer (up)
• lighten
• look up

Noun

• bonus
• cumshaw
• dividend
• donative
• extra
• gratuity
• gravy
• gravy train
• lagniappe
• perquisite
• throw-in
• tip

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

Verb

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

And for the percentage of birds that are hurt by a window collision but may still appear to perk back up, the study findings are grim. —Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 7 Aug. 2024

Noun

Bundlers who hit certain fundraising tiers unlock perks such as invitations to events with candidates and have been known to receive coveted appointments. —Taylor Giorno, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024

New perk: Easily find new routes and hidden gems, upcoming running events, and more near you. —Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 4 Nov. 2024

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

Phrases Containing perk

• perk up
• perk (up) one's ears

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