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Synonyms

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.


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.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

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.

Perforated and abraded, the artwork has not been on display since its 1941 acquisition.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 12, 2025

Airbus is nonetheless looking at updating the lightning system to a more flexible material called Perforated Copper Foil, industry sources said.

From Reuters • Nov. 29, 2021

Perforated pipes encircle the pile driver, blowing a wall of air bubbles that absorb and refract the noise, reducing it by as much as 15 dB.

From Scientific American • Feb. 23, 2021

Perforated aluminum triangles — the pattern on each is unique — form the skin of roof, bordering the transparent portion and changing colors with the sun.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 4, 2020

Open Perforated Cylinder with Flexible Back Head Cost Card for Roasters Showing the value added to the cost of green coffee by roasting By A.C.

From All About Coffee by Ukers, William H. (William Harrison)