perk up
Britishverb
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to make or become more cheerful, hopeful, or lively
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to rise or cause to rise briskly
the dog's ears perked up
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(tr) to make smarter in appearance
she perked up her outfit with a bright scarf
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slang (intr) to vomit
Etymology
Origin of perk up
C14 perk, perhaps from Norman French perquer; see perch 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The thud of a hammering Hulksmash rattles our seats; later, a cocked rifle is so crisp we perk up like a dog hearing the mailman.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 30, 2026
Vance, who is heading up the talks, announces progress, news editors perk up.
From Slate ● Jun. 24, 2026
A splash of pickle brine can perk up a potato salad.
From Salon ● Jun. 9, 2026
For about $70, a plastic surgeon injected the ridged cartilage of her ears with a hyaluronic-acid filler that caused her ears to perk up.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 7, 2026
Ears perk up all over the classroom and someone turns down the radio.
From "Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
