perk
1[ purk ]
/ pɜrk /
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
perky; jaunty: a perk manner.
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Origin of perk
11350–1400; Middle English perken; perhaps akin to peer2
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
Definition 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
21930–35, Americanism; by shortening and respelling of percolate
Definition for perk (3 of 3)
Also perc .
Origin of perk
3First recorded in 1815–25; by shortening and respelling
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
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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
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