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
That’s because the quick-drying fabric of these pants is perforated throughout, promoting air flow on hot, humid days.
—
Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2025
Approximately five metres across, it was made of sheet metal perforated with a star map.
—Martin Bush, Space.com, 5 July 2025
Individual plates, perforated with pinholes, are illuminated by a bright central light.
—Martin Bush, Space.com, 5 July 2025
This is the same political culture that perforated Hogg’s own political maturation — one where the stringent structures of establishment politics’ demands of loyalty ring hollow and moral idealism is a necessity.
—Maximo Bratter, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for perforate
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Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2025
Approximately five metres across, it was made of sheet metal perforated with a star map.
—Martin Bush, Space.com, 5 July 2025
Individual plates, perforated with pinholes, are illuminated by a bright central light.
—Martin Bush, Space.com, 5 July 2025
This is the same political culture that perforated Hogg’s own political maturation — one where the stringent structures of establishment politics’ demands of loyalty ring hollow and moral idealism is a necessity.
—Maximo Bratter, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 June 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 7 Aug. 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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