perch

Everyday

1. A perch is a branch, bar or stick where a bird sits. tree →
2. To perch means to sit on something high or narrow, the way a bird does. tree →
3. To perch something is to put it in a high or wobbly place. tree →
4. A perch is also a freshwater fish with spiny fins that people catch and eat. tree →

In the lessons

In science, birds such as sparrows are called perching birds because their feet grip branches. In stories, a character «perched on a stool» sits lightly or on the edge, often nervous or watchful. Pet budgies have a perch in their cage. Anglers catch perch in lakes and rivers.

Examples

• The parrot hopped onto its wooden perch. tree →
• A robin perched on the garden fence. tree →
• I perched on the edge of the bed, waiting for news. tree →
• His glasses were perched on the end of his nose. tree →
• The castle was perched on top of a steep hill. tree →
• Dad caught three perch at the lake. tree →
• Owls watch for mice from a high perch. tree →
• The raven perched upon a tree very joyfully. tree →

Note

Verb past: perched. As a fish the plural is often the same: «three perch». «Perched» often means sitting not fully settled. Do not confuse with «porch» (a covered entrance of a house) or «purge».