Pierce: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when something sharp goes through or breaks the surface of an object. Often used in dramatic contexts.

• The needle pierced her skin
• The scream pierced the still night

Used to describe something that passes into or through something, often involving effort or resistance. It's also used in more abstract senses.

• The bullet penetrated his armor
• Her words penetrated his heart

Used when something sharp quickly and lightly breaks the surface, often causing slight pain.

• She felt a prick on her finger from the rose thorn
• The mosquito bite pricked his skin

Used when something sharp makes a small hole in a surface or object, usually causing it to collapse or deflate. Often technical or medical context.

• He got a puncture in his tire
• The doctor had to puncture the abscess

Use this word when talking about making a sharp, focused hole or break through a surface, often with an emotional or physical intensity.

• He used a needle to pierce the fabric
• Her scream pierced the silence of the night

This is a general term for any hollow space or gap in a surface.

• There was a hole in the wall
• The kids were digging a hole in the sand

Use this in broader contexts to denote an access point, such as a gap, break, or doorway.

• Please leave the opening clear for emergency exits
• She found an opening in the hedge and walked through

This word is often used when talking about a series of small holes, especially in paper or material that is meant to be easily torn along these holes.

• The stamps have perforation lines to make them easy to tear
• The notebook has perforation along the edge for clean removal of pages