perch
purch
Perch (noun) means a spiny-finned freshwater fish, or any of several similar fish species. Example: “They caught three perch from the lake before lunch.”
noun
1
A spiny-finned freshwater fish, or any of several similar fish species.
"They caught three perch from the lake before lunch."
2
A branch, rod, or ledge used by a bird to rest on.
"The parrot hopped back onto its perch."
3
A high or secure position, especially one that is elevated or prominent.
"From his perch on the balcony, he could see the whole parade."
verb
1
To rest or sit somewhere, especially high up or on an edge.
"A robin perched on the fence post."
"She perched on the arm of the sofa while she waited."
How to use perch
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the fish, a bird's resting branch, or the act of sitting somewhere briefly and often precariously.
Common pairings
perch on
a bird's perch
perched atop
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Word forms
- Plural
- perches
- Third person singular
- perches
- Past tense
- perched
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
They caught three _____ from the lake before lunch.
Etymology
From Old French perche, from Latin perca, from Greek perke, "perch (the fish)".
Related words
Rhymes for perch
See all rhymes for perch →Frequently asked questions
What does “perch” mean?
The word “perch” means a spiny-finned freshwater fish, or any of several similar fish species. In plain terms, either the fish, a bird's resting branch, or the act of sitting somewhere briefly and often precariously.
How do you pronounce “perch”?
“Perch” is pronounced purch (/pɝt͡ʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “perch” in a sentence?
Here is “perch” used in a sentence: “They caught three perch from the lake before lunch.”
What part of speech is “perch”?
Depending on how it is used, “perch” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “perch” come from?
The word “perch” comes from Latin. From Old French perche, from Latin perca, from Greek perke, "perch (the fish)".
Is “perch” a common word?
“Perch” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.
How many meanings does “perch” have?
“Perch” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a spiny-finned freshwater fish, or any of several similar fish species.
