perch
perch Lexical Profile
perch Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A pole, branch, or horizontal bar on which a bird roosts or alights.
"The colorful macaw squawked loudly from its wooden perch inside the sanctuary enclosure."
A high, elevated, or secure position, seat, or resting place, especially one that offers a commanding view.
"From her perch on the high balcony, she could watch the entire parade pass through the city square."
A spiny-finned freshwater fish of the family Percidae, widely distributed in North America, Europe, and Asia, commonly sought after as both a food and game fish.
"The angler cast his line near the reeds, hoping to catch a yellow perch before sunset."
• verb
To alight, settle, or rest on an elevated place or object (often characteristic of birds).
"A majestic eagle perched on the highest branch of the dead pine tree overlooking the valley."
To place, position, or balance someone or something on a high, prominent, or precarious spot.
"The librarian perched her reading glasses precariously on the tip of her nose."
• Rhymes for perch
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
The word 'perch' has two distinct origins. The term for a roost or pole comes from Old French 'perche', derived from Latin 'pertica' (pole or staff). The term for the fish comes from Old French 'perche', via Latin 'perca' from Greek 'perkē', likely meaning 'dark-spotted'.