perforate

verb

per·​fo·​rate ˈpər-fə-ˌrāt How to pronounce perforate (audio)
perforated; perforating

transitive verb

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

intransitive verb

: to penetrate a surface
perforate
ˈpər-f(ə-)rət How to pronounce perforate (audio)
-fə-ˌrāt
adjective
perforator noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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

Word History

Etymology

Latin perforatus, past participle of perforare to bore through, from per- through + forare to bore — more at bore

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of perforate was in 1538

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Perforate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perforate. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

perforate

verb
per·​fo·​rate ˈpər-fə-ˌrāt How to pronounce perforate (audio)
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
perforate
ˈpər-f(ə-)rət How to pronounce perforate (audio)
-fə-ˌrāt
adjective
perforator noun

Medical Definition

perforate

verb
per·​fo·​rate ˈpər-fə-ˌrāt How to pronounce perforate (audio)
perforated; perforating

transitive verb

1
: to make a hole through
an ulcer perforates the duodenal wall
2
: to enter or extend through
the nerve perforates the dura mater

intransitive verb

: to penetrate a surface
the wound in the forearm was perforatingThe Journal of the American Medical Association

More from Merriam-Webster on perforate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!