perforated
Americanadjective
-
pierced with a hole or holes.
Punch out along the perforated line.
-
Philately. (of a number of stamps joined together) having rows of closely spaced perforations dividing each stamp from the others.
-
marked by or having perforation.
a perforated ulcer.
adjective
-
pierced with one or more holes
-
perf. (esp of stamps) having perforations
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of perforated
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.
Vocabulary lists containing perforated
The Sea of Monsters
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Unit 4: Powerful Openings
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Fresh Ink
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Ioan, who broke both arms, and suffered a fractured rib and perforated bowel, said he wished his dad was still here to "watch me grow up and be my dad".
From BBC ● Aug. 7, 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
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
Most of it is extremely low-lying and perforated by tidal canals.
From Slate ● Jun. 22, 2025
There were four of them, stuck together in perfect two-inch square, perforated tear-off foil packets that were colorfully labeled in glossy blue print.
From "100 Sideways Miles" by Andrew Smith
![]()
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.