noun C2 Proficient Uncommon

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

A spiny-finned freshwater fish, or any of several similar fish species.

"They caught three perch from the lake before lunch."

A branch, rod, or ledge used by a bird to rest on.

"The parrot hopped back onto its perch."

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

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 notes

In 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

Word forms

perched past tense, perches plural, perch plural, perches plural, perch plural, perches singular

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They caught three _____ from the lake before lunch.

Etymology

From Old French perche, from Latin perca, from Greek perke, "perch (the fish)".

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for perch

arch march torch birch porch lurch merch church starch scorch

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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.