perch

1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈpərch How to pronounce perch (audio)
Synonyms of perch
1
: a bar or peg on which something is hung
2
a
: a roost for a bird
b
: a resting place or vantage point : seat
c
: a prominent position
his new perch as president
3
chiefly British : rod sense 2

perch

2 of 3

verb

perched; perching; perches

intransitive verb

: to alight, settle, or rest on a perch, a height, or a precarious spot

transitive verb

: to place on a perch, a height, or a precarious spot

perch

3 of 3

noun (2)

plural perch or perches
1
a
: a small European freshwater bony fish (Perca fluviatilis of the family Percidae, the perch family)
b
: yellow perch
2
: any of numerous bony fishes (as of the families Percidae, Centrarchidae, and Serranidae)

Illustration of perch

Illustration of perch
  • 3perch 1a

Synonyms of perch

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Verb

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Examples of perch in a Sentence

Verb pigeons perching on the roof perched the baby in a basket
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The Blue Ribbon Suite, on a corner, offers expansive views of the bucolic Virginia landscape and a stone terrace—the perfect perch for a glass of local wine. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026 Beyond the table, a USM Haller cabinet in brown metal offers a casual perch for objets and sculpture, such as a Brutalist bronze sculpture from Mantiques Modern. — Nicole Gates Anderson, Architectural Digest, 28 Oct. 2026
Verb
The other major historical attraction is Orongo, a stone village perched on the rim of the Rano Kau volcano, which served as the ceremonial center for religious festivals dedicated to the creator god Makemake. — Mark Johanson, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026 He was often criticized for heavy-handed tactics that became as central to his image as mayor as the white sombrero always perched on his head. — Megan Janetsky, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for perch

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English perche, from Anglo-French, from Latin pertica pole

Noun (2)

Middle English perche, from Anglo-French, from Latin perca, from Greek perkē; akin to Old High German faro colored, Latin porcus, a spiny fish

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of perch was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing perch

Rhymes for perch

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Browse Nearby Words

Perceval
perch
percha
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Cite this Entry

“Perch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perch. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

perch

1 of 3 noun
ˈpərch How to pronounce perch (audio)
1
: a roost for a bird
2
: a raised seat or position

perch

2 of 3 verb
1
: to place on a perch
2
: to land, settle, or rest on or as if on a perch

perch

3 of 3 noun
plural perch or perches
1
: a common North American freshwater fish that is yellowish with dark green vertical stripes and is a popular food and sport fish

called also yellow perch

2
: any of various fishes related to or resembling the perch
Etymology

Noun

Middle English perche "a peg on which something is hung," from early French perche (same meaning), from Latin pertica "pole"

Noun

Middle English perche "a kind of fish," from early French perche (same meaning), from Latin perca (same meaning), from Greek perkē "perch (fish)"

More from Merriam-Webster on perch

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about perch

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