pert

¹ American  

[purt] / pɜrt /

adjective

perter, pertest

1. boldly forward in speech or behavior; impertinent; saucy.

   Synonyms:

   impudent, presumptuous

2. jaunty and stylish; chic; natty.

3. lively; sprightly; in good health.

4. Obsolete. clever.

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PERT ² American  

[purt] / pɜrt /

noun

1. a management method of controlling and analyzing a system or program using periodic time and money reports, often computer generated, to determine dollar and labor status at any given time.

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pert. ³ American  

abbreviation

1. pertaining.

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pert ¹ British  

/ pɜːt /

adjective

1. saucy, impudent, or forward

2. jaunty

   a pert little hat

3. obsolete clever or brisk

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PERT ² British  

/ pɜːt /

acronym

1. programme evaluation and review technique

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Other Word Forms

• pertly adverb
• pertness noun

Etymology

Origin of pert¹

1200–50; Middle English, aphetic variant of apert < Old French < Latin apertus open (past participle of aperīre; aperient ); in Middle English and Old French, influenced by Old French aspert < Latin expertus expert

Origin of PERT²

P(rogram) E(valuation and) R(eview) T(echnique)

Example Sentences

Boonbunchachoke’s strange and funny script is constructed of multiple nesting stories, like how my own vacuum pops out a pert little dustbuster that really digs into the cracks.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 4, 2026

“Régine’s pert appearance and vivacious stage manner cover a multitude of inflexibilities, and the sheer exuberance of her performance was, in itself, more than sufficient enticement.”

From New York Times • May 1, 2022

Don't let its dark rosy red facade fool you: the flavor's light and tart, like strawberries mashed with a couple of citrus peels for pert bitterness.

From Salon • Jan. 23, 2022

She turned her head toward her admirer, causing her shades to slip down her pert nose.

From Washington Post • Oct. 28, 2021

“I am still not talking to you,” said Liza Hempstock’s voice, proud as a peacock and pert as a sparrow.

From "The Graveyard Book" by Neil Gaiman