perforation

noun

per·​fo·​ra·​tion ˌpər-fə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce perforation (audio)
Synonyms of perforationnext
1
: the act or process of perforating
2
a
: a hole or pattern made by or as if by piercing or boring
b
: one of the series of holes (as between rows of postage stamps) in a sheet that serve as an aid in separation

Synonyms of perforation

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Examples of perforation in a Sentence

an infection that can cause perforation of the intestine during the lesson the boy absentmindedly made perforations in his paper with his pencil
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Michelle Buzz of the American alternative pop duo Haute & Freddy brought a Victorian shoe look to the stage with a calf-height white boot featuring a lace-up shaft, sculptural block heel and perforations. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 31 July 2026 Specifically, the cabinets, in the form of tiny, decorative perforations. — Kelsey Mulvey, Architectural Digest, 27 July 2026 These sneakers caught my eye, thanks to the pretty perforations. — Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026 The soft leather upper features a grid of square perforations that balance breathability with style, revamping your shoe lineup with ease. — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for perforation

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of perforation was in the 15th century

Rhymes for perforation

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Browse Nearby Words

perforating rule
perforation
perforation gauge
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Cite this Entry

“Perforation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perforation. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

perforation

noun
per·​fo·​ra·​tion ˌpər-fə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce perforation (audio)
1
: the act or process of perforating
2
: a hole, pattern, or series of holes made by perforating

Medical Definition

perforation

noun
per·​fo·​ra·​tion ˌpər-fə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce perforation (audio)
1
: the act or process of perforating
specifically : the penetration of a body part through accident or disease
spontaneous perforation of the sigmoid colon in the presence of diverticulosis —The Journal of the American Medical Association
2
a
: a rupture in a body part caused especially by accident or disease
b
: a natural opening in an organ or body part

More from Merriam-Webster on perforation

Nglish: Translation of perforation for Spanish Speakers

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