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.
Another fun detail can be found on the vamp, which has the same series of dots signature to the sneaker but rendered merely as indents rather than full perforations — less the Gore-Tex membrane be compromised. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2026 The marketing speak simply means that the seat cushion features a soft foam layer on top of a firm base, with tiny perforations that let heat escape. — Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 30 Aug. 2026 Unlike air fryers, which have a basket with perforations that allows air to circulate around the food, a convection oven usually requires placing your food on a baking sheet or in a roasting pan for cooking. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026 The blogger was hospitalized in March after taking flu medicine on an empty stomach, which later led him to develop an ulcer, perforation and sepsis. — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 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 Sep. 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
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