penetration

noun pen·e·tra·tion \ ˌpe-nə-ˈtrā-shən \

|Updated on: 10 Jun 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: penetration in a Sentence

Definition of penetration

1 a : the power to penetrate; especially : the ability to discern deeply and acutely

b : the depth to which something penetrates

c : the extent to which a commercial product or agency is familiar or sells in a market

2 : the act or process of penetrating: such as

a : the act of entering a country so that actual establishment of influence is accomplished

b : an attack that penetrates the enemy's front or territory

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Examples of penetration in a Sentence

Cuts in the skin could permit the penetration of bacteria into the body.
the penetration of the CIA by foreign agents
the penetration of the U.S. market by a foreign company
multiple penetrations into enemy territory
a writer who analyzes the underlying causes of the recession with great penetration

Recent Examples of penetration from the Web

The Rockets do this all the time, both to position themselves for 3-pointers and to keep the middle of the court open for dribble penetration.

— scott cacciola, New York Times, "In Alaska, Watching Moose Commercials and the Rockets Stomp the Warriors," 17 May 2018
Miami’s response to the Sixers in Game 2 included applying pressure to Ben Simmons as far out as possible in an attempt to limit his penetration and ability to distribute.

— sarah todd, Philly.com, "Joel Embiid 'doubtful' for Sixers-Heat Game 3," 18 Apr. 2018
Nassar grotesquely engaged in ungloved vaginal and anal penetration under the guise of dispensing medical care.

— michael mccann, SI.com, "Michigan State Settles With the Victims of Larry Nassar's Abuse. How Might the NCAA Respond?," 18 May 2018
The best mulches for allowing water penetration are pine fines (fine pine bark less than about half-inch in size), pine needles and composts.

— paul cappiello, The Courier-Journal, "You better step up your watering game so your plants don't starve," 18 May 2018
The Celtics closed out to Cleveland's abundance of outside shooters with a purpose and provided plenty of resistance on dribble penetration.

— chris fedor, cleveland.com, "Cleveland Cavaliers get another taste of Indiana Pacers' blueprint, as Boston Celtics copy it en route to Game 1 blowout," 14 May 2018
But the officials said that the extent of Russia’s successful penetration of Western computer networks was not fully clear, nor was the Kremlin’s ultimate intent.

— david d. kirkpatrick and ron nixon, New York Times, "U.S. and U.K. Warn of Cybersecurity Threat From Russia," 16 Apr. 2018
Some women — particularly those who can come reliably from penetration — feel more intense sensation via the internal parts of the clitoral complex.

— anna pulley, RedEye Chicago, "Ask Anna: What's the best sex toy for couples?," 9 Apr. 2018
Analysts reported that its high penetration and share of wallet helped the eatery claim the No. 1 spot.

— atlanta life, ajc, "Buffalo Wild Wings’ customers top restaurant loyalty index," 29 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'penetration.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of penetration

1605

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

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Synonym Discussion of penetration

discernment, discrimination, perception, penetration, insight, acumen mean a power to see what is not evident to the average mind. discernment stresses accuracy (as in reading character or motives or appreciating art).