perforate
verb
per·fo·rate
ˈpər-fə-ˌrāt 
perforated; perforating
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
: to penetrate a surface
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
Following strict guidelines from its London studio, the physical presence of Phoebe Philo is a sleekly minimal space featuring glass display cases and bespoke furniture such as wooden display shelves and perforated steel chairs reminiscent of Space Age design.
—
Denni Hu, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2025
For the separator, small PET pieces the size of postage stamps were flattened and perforated with hot needles, optimizing current flow through the liquid electrolyte.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2025
Vionic Kearny Sneakers These slip-on sneakers have a similar look to the Kimmie perforated platform sneaker, but instead feature a solid leather upper in shades like shimmery rose gold, classic black, and denim.
—Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 8 Oct. 2025
Specialty liners are perforated to allow for air to flow throughout the basket, which is what cooks and crisps food.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 28 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perforate
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Denni Hu, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2025
For the separator, small PET pieces the size of postage stamps were flattened and perforated with hot needles, optimizing current flow through the liquid electrolyte.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2025
Vionic Kearny Sneakers These slip-on sneakers have a similar look to the Kimmie perforated platform sneaker, but instead feature a solid leather upper in shades like shimmery rose gold, classic black, and denim.
—Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 8 Oct. 2025
Specialty liners are perforated to allow for air to flow throughout the basket, which is what cooks and crisps food.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 28 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perforate
Cite this Entry
“Perforate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perforate. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
perforate
verb
per·fo·rate
ˈpər-fə-ˌrāt
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
Medical Definition
perforate
verb
per·fo·rate
ˈpər-fə-ˌrāt
perforated; perforating
1
: to make a hole through
an ulcer perforates the duodenal wall
2
: to enter or extend through
the nerve perforates the dura mater
: to penetrate a surface
the wound in the forearm was perforating—The Journal of the American Medical Association
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