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
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 pointed-toe shoe features brogue perforations and lacing at the vamp, mimicking the classic brogue dress shoe.
—
Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 24 Feb. 2026
If accidentally ingested, contaminants such as glass could cause dental damage, laceration of the mouth or throat, laceration or perforation of the intestine, and other serious injuries.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 23 Feb. 2026
Inside a drop-like form with a long, straight tail is the lower part of a human body, crouched and holding its knees below a large sphere with an open perforation at the top.
—Annalisa Merelli, STAT, 19 Feb. 2026
The standard hazards of endoscopy still apply, such as the possibility of bleeding and perforation, and capsules introduce new complications.
—IEEE Spectrum, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for perforation
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Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 24 Feb. 2026
If accidentally ingested, contaminants such as glass could cause dental damage, laceration of the mouth or throat, laceration or perforation of the intestine, and other serious injuries.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 23 Feb. 2026
Inside a drop-like form with a long, straight tail is the lower part of a human body, crouched and holding its knees below a large sphere with an open perforation at the top.
—Annalisa Merelli, STAT, 19 Feb. 2026
The standard hazards of endoscopy still apply, such as the possibility of bleeding and perforation, and capsules introduce new complications.
—IEEE Spectrum, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for perforation
Cite this Entry
“Perforation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perforation. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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
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