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

He is a full-time host who enjoys a comfortable salary and the perks that come along with a high-profile TV job.

From Los Angeles Times

TheSeniorList, a website resource for older people, has a regularly updated list of restaurants that offer discounts and freebies, but perks may differ from location to location so call before you go.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Staff perks before last season's FA Cup final were stripped back.

From BBC

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