plural punctures
1
: a hole or wound made by a sharp point
a slight puncture of the skin
2
: a small hole in a tire that causes it to lose air
I got/had a puncture [=(US) flat, flat tire] on the way to the airport.
punctures; punctured; puncturing
1
: to make a hole in (something) with a sharp point
A nail punctured the tire. = The tire was punctured by a nail.
Worn tires puncture easily.
2
: to weaken, damage, or destroy (something, such as an argument or a person's feelings, pride, etc.) suddenly or in a way that causes surprise or embarrassment
puncture an argument
Their criticism punctured [=hurt, wounded] his self-esteem.
3
of a sound
: to interrupt (silence) in a sudden and unexpected way
The silence was punctured [=broken, shattered] by her cry.
Cite this Entry
“Puncture.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/puncture. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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