perky

[ pur-kee ]

adjective

, perk·i·er, perk·i·est.

1. jaunty; cheerful; brisk; pert.

perky

/ ˈpɜːkɪ /

adjective

1. jaunty; lively
2. confident; spirited

Derived Forms

• ˈperkily, adverb
• ˈperkiness, noun

Other Words From

• perki·ly adverb
• perki·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of perky¹

First recorded in 1850–55; perk ¹ + -y ¹

Example Sentences

“Grease” choreographer Pat Birch took the director’s chair, juicing up the shaky story and strained humor with numerous energetic dance sequences, including the perky sex education class number “Reproduction.”

From Los Angeles Times

With her queer anthem ‘Boyfriend’ and its biting follow-up ‘Breakfast,’ Dove Cameron has left her perky Disney days behind.

From Los Angeles Times

With hit after hit aimed at the underserved tween demographic, its perky content imprinted on a generation of viewers and their families.

From Los Angeles Times

The early years of crooners and ballads gave way to perky pop – epitomized by perhaps the greatest Eurovision song of all time, ABBA’s “Waterloo,” which won the contest 50 years ago.

From Seattle Times

Young mice waiters with perky black bow ties bustled among the diners, stepping neatly over their tails, serving the soup course.

From Literature

Related Words

• bouncy
• bright
• bubbly
• cheerful
• cheery
• jaunty
• lively
• sunny