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
Things perk up considerably with the addition of Allison Janney late in the season as the current vice president.
—
Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2024
Travelers’ ears should perk up at the mention of a J. Crew sale because the brand is known for its wardrobe basics, which define the perfect carry-on capsule wardrobe.
—Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 26 Oct. 2024
The video platform also has seen an uptick from its pay-TV arm, YouTube TV, which is now one of the top U.S. operators at north of 8 million subscribers.
Shares in Alphabet, which have risen more than 20% in 2024 to date, perked up 4% on the results, passing the $178 mark.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2024
The Nasdaq also perked up Thursday, one day after a 1.6% plunge that broke five straight sessions higher.
—Matthew J. Belvedere, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for perk up 
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.
Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2024
Travelers’ ears should perk up at the mention of a J. Crew sale because the brand is known for its wardrobe basics, which define the perfect carry-on capsule wardrobe.
—Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 26 Oct. 2024
The video platform also has seen an uptick from its pay-TV arm, YouTube TV, which is now one of the top U.S. operators at north of 8 million subscribers.
Shares in Alphabet, which have risen more than 20% in 2024 to date, perked up 4% on the results, passing the $178 mark.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2024
The Nasdaq also perked up Thursday, one day after a 1.6% plunge that broke five straight sessions higher.
—Matthew J. Belvedere, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for perk up
Dictionary Entries Near perk up
Cite this Entry
“Perk up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perk%20up. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share