adjective
pert
purt
Pert (adjective) means Cheeky or impudent in a lively, playful way, especially of a child or younger person. Example: “The waitress gave a pert reply that made the whole table laugh.”
adjective
1
Cheeky or impudent in a lively, playful way, especially of a child or younger person.
"The waitress gave a pert reply that made the whole table laugh."
2
Attractively perky or shapely.
"The dress was cut to show off her pert figure."
How to use pert
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSassy and self-assured, sometimes bordering on cheeky; also used to describe something neatly perky in shape.
When to use it
Fairly dated/literary in the "cheeky" sense, more common today describing physical shape.
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Word forms
- Plural
- perts
- Third person singular
- perts
- Past tense
- perted
- Comparative
- perter
- Superlative
- pertest
Fill the gap
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The waitress gave a _____ reply that made the whole table laugh.
Etymology
From Middle English pert, a shortened form of apert ("open, evident"), ultimately from Latin apertus.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for pert
See all rhymes for pert →Frequently asked questions
What does “pert” mean?
The word “pert” means cheeky or impudent in a lively, playful way, especially of a child or younger person. In plain terms, sassy and self-assured, sometimes bordering on cheeky; also used to describe something neatly perky in shape.
How do you pronounce “pert”?
“Pert” is pronounced purt (/pɝt/ in IPA).
How do you use “pert” in a sentence?
Here is “pert” used in a sentence: “The waitress gave a pert reply that made the whole table laugh.”
What part of speech is “pert”?
“Pert” is an adjective.
Where does the word “pert” come from?
The word “pert” comes from Latin. From Middle English pert, a shortened form of apert ("open, evident"), ultimately from Latin apertus.
How many meanings does “pert” have?
“Pert” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: cheeky or impudent in a lively, playful way, especially of a child or younger person.
