perky

[pur-kee] /ˈpɜr ki/

adjective, perkier, perkiest.

jaunty; cheerful; brisk; pert.

Origin

1850-55; perk¹ + -y¹

Related forms

perkily, adverb

perkiness, noun

Examples from the web for perky

Since his medical details are a state secret, the rest of the world can only guess whether his health is as perky.
It didn't help that the preternaturally perky grad students didn't much care.
Turns out, those little guys can stay fresh and perky for quite a while stored unplucked in a plastic bag in the fridge.
Unfortunately, such figures rely on overseas customers feeling perky.
The boxy photos and shot clocks blinked enticingly on the screen, the perky face of the site.
The plant is handsome, too, with shiny leaves and an overall perky look.
They would, unless economic growth proved perky enough to mop up the millions who will be thrown out of work.
Visualize kicking those cancer cells out o' the body, and new beautiful perky pink ones taking their place.
But it is also a symptom of mild paranoia about whether these firms can in their dotage still deliver perky growth.
Our furry friends are as sure-footed, perky and alert as ever.

British Dictionary definitions for perky

/ˈpɜːkɪ/

adjective perkier, perkiest

jaunty; lively

confident; spirited

Derived Forms

perkily, adverb
perkiness, noun

Word Origin and History for perky

adj.

1820, from perk (v.) + -y (2). Of young women's breasts since at least 1937. Related: Perkily; perkiness.

Slang definitions & phrases for perky

adjective

Energetic and jaunty; lively; chipper (1855+)