ENGLISH
REFERENCE

perk

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈpɝk// UK //pˈɜːk// perk Archaic Dialect Informal
Definition

n. an extra benefit you get from your job or a situation, in addition to your regular pay. It is something nice that makes a position more attractive.

n. an incidental benefit or privilege accompanying a position of employment or a particular situation. Often describes non-monetary advantages like free meals or flexible hours.


SIMPLE

Free coffee is a great perk of working here.

CONTEXTUAL

One major perk of her new job is the ability to work from home three days a week.

COMPLEX

While the salary was competitive, it was the additional perks, such as the private health insurance and the gym membership, that ultimately convinced him to sign the contract.

Etymology 1

Clipping of perquisite.

Etymology 2

Clipping of percolate (verb) and percolator (noun).

Etymology 3

Origin uncertain. Perhaps a metathesis of prick.

Etymology 4

The origin is uncertain. Perhaps a variant of peer + -k (frequentative ending).

Etymology 5

From Middle English perken, from Old Northern French perquer.

Usage

Often used in the plural ('perks') when discussing job benefits.

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