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
The room perks up at the sound of her voice, and staff members pause to say hello.
—
Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2024
The spicy, salty, savory, and slightly sweet gochujang sauce (a staple sauce used in many Korean recipes) perks up the natural sweetness and floral aroma of the melon.
—Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 27 July 2024
Dad began to perk up as the marching honor guard rounded the corner.
—Robert M. Williamson, Orlando Sentinel, 1 July 2024
Here’s a sign-up perk that may perk up the ears of gridiron fans: Verizon will give customers on certain plans access to the NFL Sunday Ticket out-of-market games package from YouTube for the 2024-25 season for no extra charge.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 24 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for perk up 
Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2024
The spicy, salty, savory, and slightly sweet gochujang sauce (a staple sauce used in many Korean recipes) perks up the natural sweetness and floral aroma of the melon.
—Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 27 July 2024
Dad began to perk up as the marching honor guard rounded the corner.
—Robert M. Williamson, Orlando Sentinel, 1 July 2024
Here’s a sign-up perk that may perk up the ears of gridiron fans: Verizon will give customers on certain plans access to the NFL Sunday Ticket out-of-market games package from YouTube for the 2024-25 season for no extra charge.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 24 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for perk up
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'perk up.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near perk up
Cite this Entry
“Perk up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perk%20up. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
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