pierce
verb (used with object)
to penetrate into or run through (something), as a sharp, pointed dagger, object, or instrument does.
had pierced
-
past perfectof pierce.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
A steel beam had pierced a subway station like a lawn dart.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 10, 2026
The prosecution pathologist concluded that there was no evidence that a needle had pierced Baby O's liver while he was alive and the paediatric pathologist we spoke to agrees.
From BBC ● Aug. 11, 2025
The average 30-year fixed rate, which had pierced 7% back in October, fell to just above 6% in early February before surging back to 6.96% in mid-July.
From Seattle Times ● Jul. 26, 2023
Oleksiy Arestovych, a senior government advisor in Kyiv, said on the messaging service Telegram that Ukrainian troops had pierced Russian defenses in several areas along the front around Kherson,but cautioned against a quick victory.
From Washington Times ● Aug. 30, 2022
The porcupine quills had pierced his flesh; the work in the garden had exhausted him.
From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman
