perforate

verb

per·​fo·​rate ˈpər-fə-ˌrāt How to pronounce perforate (audio)
perforated; perforating

transitive verb

1
: to make a hole through
especially : to make a line of holes in to facilitate separation
2
: to pass through or into by or as if by making a hole

intransitive verb

: to penetrate a surface
perforate
ˈpər-f(ə-)rət How to pronounce perforate (audio)
-fə-ˌrāt
adjective
perforator noun

Examples of perforate in a Sentence

Cover the bowl with aluminum foil, and then use a fork to perforate the foil. he perforated the sheet with his pencil and put it in his binder
Recent Examples on the Web The medium-firm mattress is made with memory foam, which molds to the body and is perforated with tiny holes to keep the body cool throughout the night. Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 5 Oct. 2024 In March, 16 days after Sirica first treated the incapacitated red-tailed hawk, Paula Goldberg, former executive director of City Wildlife, opened the trunk of her Toyota SUV to reveal a small white box perforated with air holes. Bydina Fine Maron, science.org, 10 July 2024 The material is perforated and breathable, and the heel area has slightly more padding to prevent soreness after a long day on your feet. Alyssa Brascia, Peoplemag, 1 Aug. 2024 The bullet caused a skull fracture, perforated her carotid artery, and caused bleeding in her brain. Anna Schecter, CBS News, 31 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for perforate 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'perforate.' 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

Latin perforatus, past participle of perforare to bore through, from per- through + forare to bore — more at bore

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of perforate was in 1538

Dictionary Entries Near perforate

Cite this Entry

“Perforate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perforate. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

perforate

verb
per·​fo·​rate ˈpər-fə-ˌrāt How to pronounce perforate (audio)
perforated; perforating
: to make a hole or series of holes through
especially : to make a line of holes to make tearing easy and neat
sheets of stamps are perforated
perforate
ˈpər-f(ə-)rət How to pronounce perforate (audio)
-fə-ˌrāt
adjective
perforator noun

Medical Definition

perforate

verb
per·​fo·​rate ˈpər-fə-ˌrāt How to pronounce perforate (audio)
perforated; perforating

transitive verb

1
: to make a hole through
an ulcer perforates the duodenal wall
2
: to enter or extend through
the nerve perforates the dura mater

intransitive verb

: to penetrate a surface
the wound in the forearm was perforatingThe Journal of the American Medical Association

More from Merriam-Webster on perforate

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