This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
perk
1[ purk ]
/ pɜrk /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
verb (used without object)
to become lively, cheerful, or vigorous, as after depression or sickness (usually followed by up): The patients all perked up when we played the piano for them.
to act, or carry oneself, in a jaunty manner.
to put oneself forward briskly or presumptuously.
verb (used with object)
to make smart, trim, or jaunty (sometimes followed by up or out): to perk up a suit with a new white blouse.
to raise smartly or briskly (often followed by up or out): to perk one's head up.
adjective
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
Origin of perk
1First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English perken “(of a bird) to perch on a tree”; akin to perch1
OTHER WORDS FROM perk
perk·ing·ly, adverbperkish, adjectiveWords nearby perk
periwinkle, perjink, perjure, perjured, perjury, perk, Perkin, Perkins, Perkins, Frances, Perkin's mauve, perk up
Other definitions for perk (2 of 3)
perk2
[ purk ]
/ pɜrk /
verb (used with or without object) Informal.
to percolate: Has the coffee perked yet? The research team is perking with new ideas.
Origin of perk
2An Americanism dating back to 1920–25; by shortening and respelling
Other definitions for perk (3 of 3)
Also perc .
Origin of perk
3First recorded in 1865–70; by shortening and respelling
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use perk in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for perk (1 of 3)
Word Origin for perk
C16: see perk up
British Dictionary definitions for perk (2 of 3)
perk2
/ (pɜːk) /
verb informal
(intr) (of coffee) to percolate
(tr) to percolate (coffee)
British Dictionary definitions for perk (3 of 3)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012