noun

perch

purch

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

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.

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

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