1 perk | Definition of perk

perk

verb (1)
\ ˈpərk How to pronounce perk (audio) \
perked; perking; perks

Definition of perk

 (Entry 1 of 3)

intransitive verb

1a : to thrust up the head, stretch out the neck, or carry the body in a bold or insolent manner
b : to stick up or out jauntily
2 : to gain in vigor or cheerfulness especially after a period of weakness or depression —usually used with up he's perked up noticeably

transitive verb

1 : to make smart or spruce in appearance : freshen, improve —often used with up
2 : to thrust up quickly or impudently

perk

verb (2)
perked; perking; perks

Definition of perk (Entry 2 of 3)

perk

noun

Definition of perk (Entry 3 of 3)

: perquisite —usually used in plural

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Examples of perk in a Sentence

Noun

the salary's not great, but the perks make up for it

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Rainfall and lower temperatures helped slow the fire’s growth last month, but the re-emergence of hotter, drier conditions more recently has caused it to perk up and create more smoke. — Madeline Mcgee, Anchorage Daily News, "Smoke to continue drifting into Anchorage intermittently from Swan Lake fire," 17 Aug. 2019 But fear not: Pottery Barn is here to perk you up and keep the obsession alive. — Laurel Benedum, ELLE Decor, "Did You Hear About the Epic 'Friends' Collection Pottery Barn is Launching?," 12 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'perk.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of perk

Verb (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Verb (2)

1922, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1824, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for perk

Verb (1)

Middle English

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More Definitions for perk

perk

noun

English Language Learners Definition of perk

: something extra that someone receives in addition to regular pay for doing a job
: a good thing that you have or get because of your situation

perk

verb
\ ˈpərk How to pronounce perk (audio) \
perked; perking

Kids Definition of perk

1 : to make or become more lively or cheerful I perked up when I heard the good news.
2 : to make fresher in appearance Let's perk the room up with fresh paint.
3 : to lift in a quick, alert, or bold way The dog perked its ears.
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