perk up
phrasal verb
perked up; perking up; perks up
informal
1
: to become more lively or cheerful or to make (someone) more lively or cheerful
We perked up when we heard the good news.
The good news perked everyone up.
2
: to make (something) fresher or more appealing
The new paint job really perked up the room.
3
chiefly US, of an animal's ears
: to be lifted in a quick and alert way
The dog's ears perked up.
—often used figuratively of a personMy ears perked up when I heard my name mentioned.
Examples of perk up in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This humble appliance can do a lot more than reheat leftovers or perk up that forgotten cup of tea.
—
Emma Laperruque, Bon Appétit, 20 Feb. 2025
Did your ears perk up when Daniel’s name was mentioned during Sunday’s Mayfair Witches?
—Andy Swift, TVLine, 16 Feb. 2025
However, shares perked up following the Kardashian news — rising nearly 3% — in early trading.
—Jordan Valinsky, CNN, 18 Feb. 2025
To perk up your summer dessert routine, shave peaches or nectarines and top with a dollop of Sweetened Whipped Cream.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perk up
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Emma Laperruque, Bon Appétit, 20 Feb. 2025
Did your ears perk up when Daniel’s name was mentioned during Sunday’s Mayfair Witches?
—Andy Swift, TVLine, 16 Feb. 2025
However, shares perked up following the Kardashian news — rising nearly 3% — in early trading.
—Jordan Valinsky, CNN, 18 Feb. 2025
To perk up your summer dessert routine, shave peaches or nectarines and top with a dollop of Sweetened Whipped Cream.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perk up
Cite this Entry
“Perk up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perk%20up. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share