perk up

phrasal verb

perked up; perking up; perks up

informal

: 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.

: to make (something) fresher or more appealing

The new paint job really perked up the room.

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 person

My ears perked up when I heard my name mentioned.

Examples of perk up 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.

Ian perks up between coughs and questions if his son has told Rachel of his feelings for her. —

Lincee Ray, EW.com, 23 Nov. 2024 So when Matt Rhule, the second-year Nebraska coach, called Holgorsen on Nov. 3 and appealed for help from the 53-year-old former West Virginia and Houston coach, Holgorsen perked up. —

Mitch Sherman, The Athletic, 22 Nov. 2024 But when Kyle offers everyone’s Shots in the Dark, Jeff’s ears perk up. —

Nick Caruso, TVLine, 20 Nov. 2024 Was there enough newness to perk up the designer business? —

David Moin, WWD, 11 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for perk up