plural piercings
1
: the act or practice of decorating your body with jewelry or other objects that are attached directly to your skin
There's a small shop in town where they do tattooing and body piercing.
2
: a hole through part of the body where a piece of jewelry can be attached
She got another ear piercing.
1
: seeming to have the power to see a person's thoughts or feelings
She looked at me with piercing eyes, and I was suddenly frightened that she knew what I had done.
I tried to avoid his piercing stare.
2
: very loud and high-pitched
a piercing scream/voice
3
: having a strong affect on someone : felt in a very noticeable way
She felt a piercing sadness when she heard the news.
4
: very cold
a piercing wind
Cite this Entry
“Piercing.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/piercing. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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