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Showing results for "perforated"
Synonyms

perforated

American  
[pur-fuh-ray-tid] / ˈpɜr fəˌreɪ tɪd /

adjective

  1. pierced with a hole or holes.

    Punch out along the perforated line.

  2. Philately. (of a number of stamps joined together) having rows of closely spaced perforations dividing each stamp from the others.

  3. marked by or having perforation.

    a perforated ulcer.


perforated British  
/ ˈpɜːfəˌreɪtɪd /

adjective

  1. pierced with one or more holes

  2. perf. (esp of stamps) having perforations

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms


Etymology

Origin of perforated

First recorded in 1480–90; perforate + -ed 2


Explanation

Something perforated usually contains a series of tiny holes. You might see a perforated line on a utility bill, where you are supposed to tear off that part to mail in with your check. Anything with holes can be said to be perforated, especially if the holes are in a row or series. You wouldn't say something with one hole is perforated. This word can have some grim uses, like if you're talking about a murder victim whose body was perforated with bullets.

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Vocabulary lists containing perforated

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

He was a security guard based at South Quay Docklands at the time of the explosion in February 1996, which blew him off his feet and perforated his ear drums.

From BBC ● Mar. 10, 2026

Starting at $42,480, the Autobahn trim adds lovely 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped with 235/35 summer performance tires; adaptive chassis control; head-up display; and heated/ventilated front seats wrapped in perforated leather.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 6, 2026

Outside is a system of perforated, weathering steel panels, adding a layer of fire resistance while introducing shifting patterns of light and shadow throughout the day.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 8, 2025

I started doing research into really nerdy stuff, and the perforated walls you see in the dark corridors are shipping pallets.”

From Salon ● Jul. 17, 2025

He wanted an open, perforated fence, Ferris wanted it closed.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson

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