WordGarden.ioperk
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /pˈɜːk/
US
- /ˈpɜrk/
Meanings
Noun
an extra benefit or privilege that comes with a job, role, or similar arrangement
a useful or enjoyable extra advantage
Verb
to make or become more cheerful, lively, or energetic
to become suddenly more alert or attentive, often with the ears lifting
Beyond the definition
A "perk" is one of those little extras that makes life or work more enjoyable. Think of it as a bonus or added benefit that is nice to have but not strictly necessary. Maybe your company offers free lunches or lets people work from home a few days a week. Those are perks. Or maybe one of the perks of living near the beach is being able to walk there at sunset. A perk adds comfort, convenience, or pleasure. It is the kind of extra that makes a situation feel a bit better.
The word "perk" is a casual, friendly shortening of the more formal word "perquisite." It refers to an extra benefit or advantage, something you get in addition to the basic or expected parts of a situation.
In a work setting, perks are the "nice-to-haves" that come with a job. They are not usually the main reason you take the job, but they can make it much more appealing. These might include free coffee, paid lunches, a gym membership, flexible hours, or the chance to work from home. For example: "One of the biggest perks of this job is the ability to work from home."
But you do not need a job to talk about perks. A perk can be any extra part of a situation that makes it more pleasant. You might say, "The quiet mornings before everyone wakes up are my favorite perk of being retired."
Sometimes, "perk" also means a special privilege that comes with a certain role, status, or place. If someone gets special access, special treatment, or small rewards because of their position, you might say they are enjoying the perks of the role. Whether it is a workplace extra, a personal convenience, or a pleasant side benefit of a lifestyle, a perk is that little added thing that makes the experience better. It is the cherry on top.
Examples
- 1
Job benefit
Free lunches are a nice perk of the job.
- 2
Workplace benefit
Flexible hours are one of the biggest perks of working here.
- Patternone of the perks of + situation
one good thing about it
- 3
Hotel amenity
The hotel has a rooftop pool, which is a real perk in the summer.
- 4
Energy change
She was tired all morning, but she perked up after lunch.
- Phraseperk up
become more cheerful or energetic
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Mood boost
A quick walk outside usually perks me up.
- Patternperk someone up
make someone feel more cheerful or energetic
- 6
Sudden attention
My ears perked up when I heard my name.
- Phraseears perk up
someone suddenly starts listening carefully
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- perknounverb
Forms
- perkspluralnounverb
- perkedpast tenseverbnoun
- perking-ing formverbnoun