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

• 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

The numbers are the Knighted Eras font with Polaris star perforations. —Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 June 2025

Feedback from an awake patient also aids in avoiding perforation. —Catherine Santino, People.com, 1 Feb. 2025

The scan also showed a perforation in the esophagus. —ArsTechnica, 27 June 2025

The laced shoes were embellished with a row of rounded metallic studs above the sole and the upper was detailed with a classic brogue design, including intricate perforations. —Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 2 June 2025

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