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
Around 130,000 will flock to the fun as our city perks up to the joys and color of comic book characters in our collective consciousness.
—
Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 July 2025
His floppy ears seem to perk up in attention, his head lifting as his nose sniffs the air.
—Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 11 July 2025
Since then, Mora has racked up over 1,000 minutes of game time, commentators perking up when ‘El chamaco Mora’ — the kid, Mora — picks up the ball out on the left.
—Thom Harris, New York Times, 8 July 2025
The South Texas native perks up Japanese sea bream (madai) with salsa verde and dots ceviche with cotija cheese and winks of serrano pepper, culinary moves that feel natural and not forced.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 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.
Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 July 2025
His floppy ears seem to perk up in attention, his head lifting as his nose sniffs the air.
—Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 11 July 2025
Since then, Mora has racked up over 1,000 minutes of game time, commentators perking up when ‘El chamaco Mora’ — the kid, Mora — picks up the ball out on the left.
—Thom Harris, New York Times, 8 July 2025
The South Texas native perks up Japanese sea bream (madai) with salsa verde and dots ceviche with cotija cheese and winks of serrano pepper, culinary moves that feel natural and not forced.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 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 24 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share