Perch: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is often used to describe a place where birds or other animals rest or sit, especially when it refers to a narrow or elevated position. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a place where someone sits or waits.

• The bird found a perch on the window sill.
• She perched on the edge of her seat, watching the performance.

This word specifically refers to a place where birds, especially chickens and other poultry, settle to rest or sleep. It can also be used metaphorically or informally to refer to a place where people settle down for the night.

• As evening fell, the chickens returned to their roost.
• After a long day of hiking, they finally found a roost in a cozy cabin.

This term is frequently used to describe a place where someone or something can rest, often used in the context of a final resting place for someone who has died. Generally has a more solemn or tranquil tone.

• They chose a peaceful resting place for the family pet in the garden.
• The cemetery is known as the final resting place of many famous authors.

Commonly used to refer to the limbs of a tree or shrub. It can also be used figuratively to describe a division or subdivision of something, such as an organization or a process.

• The cat climbed up the tree and sat on a sturdy branch.
• He works in the financial branch of the company.

Use when referring to a bird or someone sitting or standing on the edge or tip of something, often in an elevated position.

• The bird perched on the branch.
• She perched on the edge of the barstool.

Use when adopting a seated position, typically on a chair or the ground.

• Please sit down and make yourself comfortable.
• He sat next to her on the bench.

Use when taking a break from activity to relax or recover strength.

• He needed to rest after the long hike.
• You should rest your eyes after staring at a screen for so long.

Use when referring to maintaining or achieving stability and equilibrium, either physically or metaphorically.

• She tried to balance the books on her head.
• Balancing work and personal life can be challenging.