perkier; perkiest
1
: briskly self-assured : cocky
2
: jaunty
a perky … waltzNew Yorker
perkily adverb
perkiness noun

Examples of perky in a Sentence

He hasn't been his perky self lately. She drove around in a perky little car.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Brat hairstyles come in all forms, like perky ponytails and massive party-girl curls—and both look equally amazing on the dance floor. Kara Nesvig, Allure, 5 May 2025 But there, under the dry leaves, one plant was already forming perky green rosettes: garlic mustard. Zoë Lescaze, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025 The cups are molded with underwire support to lift the ladies for a perky and youthful look. Andrea Jordan, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025 Europe Records Strong Flows European ETFs also recorded sizable inflows, the WGC said, led by perky investor interest in the U.K., Germany and Switzerland. Royston Wild, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for perky

Word History

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of perky was in 1820

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Perky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perky. Accessed 19 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

perky

adjective
perkier; perkiest
: being lively and cheerful
perkiness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on perky

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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