perforation

noun

per·​fo·​ra·​tion ˌpər-fə-ˈrā-shən 

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

• puncture

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

Whole Cauliflower Remove the original shrinkwrap and place the head in a looser bag with an opening or perforation so moisture can escape, says LaMarita. —Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 2 Apr. 2026

Bishop removed the divider between the two frames to create one horizontal eight-perforation film frame, rather than the standard vertical four-perforation frame. —Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Mar. 2026

Any perforation can lead to otitis externa (swimmer's ear). —Sherri Gordon, Health, 10 Mar. 2026

Normal film stock is four perforations wide, but VistaVision is eight. —ABC News, 5 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for perforation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

perforation

noun

per·​fo·​ra·​tion ˌpər-fə-ˈrā-shən 

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 

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