perforated

American  

[pur-fuh-rey-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.

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perforated British  

/ ˈpɜːfəˌreɪtɪd /

adjective

1. pierced with one or more holes

2.  perf.  (esp of stamps) having perforations

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Other Word Forms

• multiperforated adjective
• nonperforated adjective
• postperforated adjective
• unperforated adjective

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.

Example Sentences

Dozens of pasta formats, made with flour from the company’s own mill, are shaped by traditional bronze dies, or perforated disks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 10, 2025

A cousin to self-playing player pianos, photoplayers automatically play music read out of perforated piano rolls.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 3, 2025

Robyn Goldie died after suffering a perforated duodenal ulcer.

From BBC • Sep. 9, 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