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
Carter perked up when he was asked about his new coach.
—
Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2026
Sales have certainly perked up, but whether history remembers the J250 as taking the path that saved the badge or leading it astray remains to be seen.
—Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 5 Feb. 2026
Add a splash of water to loosen the consistency, if needed, and a squeeze of lemon juice to perk up the sauce.
—Martha Stewart, 5 Feb. 2026
Mylise Pena had high hopes for the home team, but her attention would perk up well after kickoff.
—Will Richmond, The Providence Journal, 5 Feb. 2026
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.
Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2026
Sales have certainly perked up, but whether history remembers the J250 as taking the path that saved the badge or leading it astray remains to be seen.
—Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 5 Feb. 2026
Add a splash of water to loosen the consistency, if needed, and a squeeze of lemon juice to perk up the sauce.
—Martha Stewart, 5 Feb. 2026
Mylise Pena had high hopes for the home team, but her attention would perk up well after kickoff.
—Will Richmond, The Providence Journal, 5 Feb. 2026
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 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
