How to pronounce perky
Say it like PUR-kee. Perky has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce perky. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PUR
- kee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Perky pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- keeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of perky
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: PUR-kee.
What does perky mean?
- Lively and often cheerful and enthusiastic.“She answered with a perky smile and bounced off.”
- Standing upright; firm.“The plant looks much perkier since I watered it.”
- Alternative spelling of percy (“Percocet pill”).
Where does perky come from?
From perk + -y.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with perky
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of perky.
Questions about saying perky
How do you pronounce perky?
Say PUR-kee. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɝki/. In British English it is /ˈpɜːki/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in perky?
Perky has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PUR). Broken into parts: PUR · kee.
Is perky pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈpɜːki/ (PUR-kee).