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 Rather than perform as a full band, only Finn and Seymour performed — with Finn on piano — to better complement the orchestra and the arrangement prepared by friend Victoria Kelly. Glenn Peoples, Billboard, 14 Mar. 2024 As during the second flight, all 33 booster engines performed well during ascent, according to SpaceX. Initially, SpaceX plans to use the mammoth rockets to launch the company’s Starlink internet satellites, as well as other spacecraft. By marcia Dunn, Quartz, 14 Mar. 2024 Kicking off Thursday, June 6, and running through Sunday night, June 9, CMA Fest features hundreds of artist performing on 10 stages — many of them free — throughout downtown Nashville. Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 14 Mar. 2024 Since the first ever Glastonbury Festival in 1970, some of music’s most popular acts have made the pilgrimage to Worthy Farm and performed at one of the world’s biggest festivals. Issy Ronald, CNN, 14 Mar. 2024 Parkour, which is performed on obstacle courses or even in dense urban areas, requires a combination of athleticism and rapid decision making. Popular Science, 14 Mar. 2024 Not only just performing — directing it, [the] steps. Julia Moore, Peoplemag, 13 Mar. 2024 But the wild cats are certainly around in numbers, stalking prey, performing mating rituals and staking out precious territory with startling ferocity. John Metcalfe, The Mercury News, 13 Mar. 2024 This would have marked the first time Mullen performed in concert with his band mates since 2019. Michael Schneider, Variety, 2 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 19 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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