perform

verb

per·​form pər-ˈfȯrm How to pronounce perform (audio)
pə-
performed; performing; performs

transitive verb

1
: to adhere to the terms of : fulfill
perform a contract
2
3
a
: to do in a formal manner or according to prescribed ritual
b
: to give a rendition of : present

intransitive verb

1
: to carry out an action or pattern of behavior : act, function
2
: to give a performance : play
performability noun
performable adjective
performer noun
Choose the Right Synonym for perform

perform, execute, discharge, accomplish, achieve, effect, fulfill mean to carry out or into effect.

perform implies action that follows established patterns or procedures or fulfills agreed-upon requirements and often connotes special skill.

performed gymnastics

execute stresses the carrying out of what exists in plan or in intent.

executed the hit-and-run

discharge implies execution and completion of appointed duties or tasks.

discharged his duties

accomplish stresses the successful completion of a process rather than the means of carrying it out.

accomplished everything they set out to do

achieve adds to accomplish the implication of conquered difficulties.

achieve greatness

effect adds to achieve an emphasis on the inherent force in the agent capable of surmounting obstacles.

effected sweeping reforms

fulfill implies a complete realization of ends or possibilities.

fulfilled their ambitions

Examples of perform in a Sentence

The doctor had to perform surgery immediately. The magician performed some amazing tricks. The gymnasts performed their routines perfectly. You are required to perform 50 hours of community service. The band will be performing on the main stage. She's a wonderful singer who loves to perform before a live audience. The band will perform songs from their new album. The class performed the play for the school.
Recent Examples on the Web Based on our initial telework assessment and review of operations, eligible employees who meet criteria established through our telework policy and whose positions can be performed remotely will continue to do so. Maya Miller, Sacramento Bee, 26 Mar. 2024 The Parlor Bar magician will stay on the ship for a couple months at a time, while the magician performing in the theater will change every cruise or two, but all are vetted by the Magic Castle team. Nathan Diller, USA TODAY, 26 Mar. 2024 What’s the most difficult part of the show to perform, whether technically or emotionally? Ashley Lee, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2024 The world was completely different and there were no guarantees at all about how that movie was going to perform in a Covid world. Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Mar. 2024 Construction has yet to begin on the execution chamber overhaul, in part because contractors were unwilling to perform work on a project related to executions, Tewalt wrote staff in an email Wednesday afternoon. Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 26 Mar. 2024 The couple appear to be going strong after making several public appearances together in recent weeks, including partying during the Super Bowl in Las Vegas and performing together in Miami in February. Escher Walcott, Peoplemag, 25 Mar. 2024 In 2023, surgeons performed 46,000 transplants of all kinds—and almost 16,000 kidney transplants—but 17 patients still die in the U.S. each day waiting for a transplant. Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Mar. 2024 Although he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 2016, Bennett continued to perform and release music until 2021, wrapping his touring career with a concert at Radio City Music Hall alongside collaborator and devotee Lady Gaga in August 2021. Joe Lynch, Billboard, 25 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'perform.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English parformen, parfournen, perfourmen, performen "to complete, perfect, accomplish, carry out (a duty, plan), construct," borrowed from Anglo-French parfourner, parfurnir, performer, parfourmir "to carry out, execute, complete" (continental Old French parfornir), from par-, per- per- + fornir, furnir "to supply, provide, furnish"; forms with -m- probably by association with former, formir "to form entry 2"

Note: Note that the Germanic etymon *frumjan, the source of Old French fornir, had an -m- which is reflected in Old Occitan and medieval Catalan formir, medieval Pisan frumiare "to make ready, deliver," though neither early French nor the dialectal evidence assembled by Französisches etymologisches Wörterbuch shows any trace of the -m-—hence it is unlikely to have played a role in the history of performer. The variants with -n-, common in Middle English, did not survive into Modern English.

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of perform was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near perform

Cite this Entry

“Perform.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perform. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

perform

verb
per·​form pə(r)-ˈfȯ(ə)rm How to pronounce perform (audio)
1
2
: to do something requiring special skill
3
a
: to do according to rules or in an established way
perform a wedding
b
: to give a performance of
perform a play
performable adjective
performer noun

Legal Definition

perform

transitive verb
per·​form
1
: to adhere to and fulfill the terms of
perform an obligation
2
: to carry out or bring about
perform the work according to design
3
: to do according to prescribed ritual or law
perform a marriage ceremony
4
: to give a public rendition or presentation of
perform a copyrighted play

intransitive verb

1
: to adhere to and fulfill the terms of a contract, promise, or obligation
failed to perform under the agreement
2
: to carry out or present something

More from Merriam-Webster on perform

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