perk

/pɜːrk/
extra benefit from job

The company offers free gym memberships as a perk for employees.

The employer provides gym access as an additional non-salary benefit.


Business
formal

An extra benefit or advantage provided by an employer to employees, beyond their basic salary.

Health insurance and paid vacation are standard perks.

These are common additional benefits included in employment packages.

She values the flexible hours more than the other perks.

She prefers the schedule flexibility over other job benefits.

Often used in plural form ('perks'). Commonly refers to non-monetary benefits like free meals, parking, or stock options.

informal

To refresh or invigorate someone or something; to make someone feel more energetic or alert.

A cold shower perked him up after the long flight.

The shower made him feel more awake and energetic.

Used as a verb. Often followed by 'up' (phrasal verb 'perk up').

Collocations

job perksbenefits associated with employmentperk upto become more cheerful or energeticfringe benefitsadditional compensation beyond salary

Related Phrases

perk upphrasal verb
to become more lively or cheerful
the perks of the jobphrase
the extra benefits one receives from working a specific position

Pro Tip

Context Matters

Use 'perk' primarily when discussing employment benefits. In casual conversation, use 'perk up' to describe mood or energy levels.

Gold Rule

Plural Usage

When referring to job benefits, always use the plural form 'perks' (e.g., 'good perks', not 'a good perk').

Word Origin

Short for 'perquisite', from Latin 'perquirere' meaning 'to seek or demand'.

Usage Notes

In business contexts, 'perk' is almost always plural ('perks'). As a verb, it is informal and often used with 'up'.

Word Breakdown

perk
short for perquisite
root
English Dictionary