perk

¹

[ purk ]

verb (used without object)

1. 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.

2. to act, or carry oneself, in a jaunty manner.
3. to put oneself forward briskly or presumptuously.

verb (used with object)

1. to make smart, trim, or jaunty (sometimes followed by up or out ):

   to perk up a suit with a new white blouse.

2. to raise smartly or briskly (often followed by up or out ):

   to perk one's head up.

adjective

1. perky; jaunty:

   a perk manner.

perk

²

[ purk ]

verb (used with or without object)

, Informal.

1. to percolate:

   Has the coffee perked yet? The research team is perking with new ideas.

perk

³

[ purk ]

noun

, Informal.

1. perquisite.

perk

¹

/ pɜːk /

noun

1. informal.
   short for perquisite

perk

²

/ pɜːk /

verb

1. intr (of coffee) to percolate
2. tr to percolate (coffee)

perk

³

/ pɜːk /

adjective

1. pert; brisk; lively

verb

1. See perk up

Other Words From

• perking·ly adverb
• perkish adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of perk¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English perken “(of a bird) to perch on a tree”; akin to perch ¹

Origin of perk²

An Americanism dating back to 1920–25; by shortening and respelling

Origin of perk³

First recorded in 1865–70; by shortening and respelling

Word History and Origins

Origin of perk¹

C16: see perk up

Example Sentences

There’s a movie studio tour for every type of Angeleno, whether you’re a seeker of movie trivia, cinematic magic or that perfect Central Perk selfie.

From Los Angeles Times

Finally: Facebook laid off two dozen workers for abusing their free GrubHub vouchers as companies crack down on perk abuse.

From Slate

While that may sound like a perk, it’s not; after playing a game — or more — nearly every week for eight months, a long break at this point can disrupt a team’s rhythm.

From Los Angeles Times

The Central Perk interior from “Friends.”

From Los Angeles Times

That’s just life for a Bruins running back in 2024, though they don’t seem to mind, almost considering it a perk of their responsibilities.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• advantage
• bonus
• dividend
• extra
• fringe benefit
• gratuity
• perquisite