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Added 9 October 2026

perch

/pɜːtʃ/ noun

In Latin: perca Wiktionary

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about perch at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

Support consisting of a branch or rod that serves as a resting place (especially for a bird).
A linear measure of 16.5 feet.
A square rod of land.

verb

Sit, as on a branch.
The birds perched high in the tree
To come to rest, settle.
Misfortune lighted upon him
Cause to perch or sit.
She perched her hat on her head

Origin

From Middle English perche, from Old French perche, from Latin perca, from Ancient Greek πέρκη (pérkē, “perch”), cognate with περκνός (perknós, “dark-spotted”). Ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *perḱ-, whence also Old English forn (“trout”), German Forelle (“trout”).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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