perforation

noun

per·​fo·​ra·​tion ˌpər-fə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce perforation (audio)
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

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 Prepare crescent rolls: Unroll crescent roll dough, and separate each roll along perforations. Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 13 Feb. 2024 This can result in perforations, twisting and/or blockage of the intestines, infection, blood poisoning, and death. John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 18 Jan. 2024 Casper's Original Hybrid mattress has thousands of tiny perforations throughout its foam layers to help improve airflow, keeping you cooler even on sticky summer nights. Samantha Jones, goodhousekeeping.com, 3 June 2023 In the Europe study, no participants experienced a perforation, or tear in the large intestine. Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 21 Jan. 2024 The radiofrequency energy causes existing collagen fibers to tighten while the tiny perforations created by microneedling stimulate the body’s innate healing response. Ahmed Zambarakji, Robb Report, 5 Feb. 2024 In previous interviews, Perry admitted to being in rehab at least 15 times and getting 14 surgeries on his stomach due to gastrointestinal perforation stemming from his opioid abuse. Marlow Stern, Rolling Stone, 29 Oct. 2023 Their reunion came after Perry had suffered a gastrointestinal perforation that left him bedridden for three months. Julia Moore, Peoplemag, 14 Nov. 2023 The leather upper has breathable perforations and a chunky cupsole for a comfortable wear that’s perfect not only for your trip there, but also roaming around any destination. Dan Michel, Travel + Leisure, 6 Aug. 2023

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

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

Dictionary Entries Near perforation

Cite this Entry

“Perforation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perforation. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!