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

Example Sentences

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

In 1897, American inventor Edwin S. Votey invented the “Pianola,” a self-playing piano whose perforated paper rolls functioned much like computer punch cards.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 14, 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

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

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