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
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
And as the exit from WBTC began, some other products perked up, such as the decentralized TBTC.
—Brady Dale, Axios, 23 Jan. 2025
Another surprise is that the first taste of any food is the most exciting since your brain perks up to something new.
—Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perk up
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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
And as the exit from WBTC began, some other products perked up, such as the decentralized TBTC.
—Brady Dale, Axios, 23 Jan. 2025
Another surprise is that the first taste of any food is the most exciting since your brain perks up to something new.
—Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes, 16 Jan. 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 3 Mar. 2025.
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