# perched

/ˈpɝtʃt/ (US) · /pˈɜːtʃt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/perched
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

sitting or resting on something high or narrow, like a bird on a branch.

For teachers: situated or resting on an elevated or precarious position. Often used predicatively after a linking verb or as a participial adjective modifying a noun.

## Examples

- The small cottage is perched on the edge of the cliff.
- From our balcony, we could see a hawk perched on the highest branch of the old oak tree.
- The medieval village, perched precariously atop a limestone ridge, offers a panoramic view of the valley below while remaining shielded from the winds by the surrounding peaks.

## Usage notes

- Often followed by the prepositions 'on', 'atop', or 'upon'.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.