What does perforate mean?
Perforate means to make one or more holes in a material, usually by piercing, drilling, or otherwise passing through it. The verb is especially common in technical and industrial contexts, where it can describe making a precise hole in metal, plastic, leather, or another material, as well as producing a regular pattern of small holes for ventilation, filtration, or decoration. The related adjective is perforated, as in perforated metal. Although perforate is more precise and formal than simply saying “make holes in,” it remains readily understood in general English. Its Latin origin, from perforare, reflects the basic idea of boring or passing through something. The word is useful when describing processes in which holes must be deliberately made rather than occurring accidentally, and it carries a precise, practical tone associated with tools, engineering, and production.
To make a hole or holes in something by piercing, drilling, or boring through it.
"The tool perforated the sheet of metal."
Used in technical, manufacturing, and engineering contexts as well as formal general writing.
Having one or more holes, especially a regular pattern of small holes.
"The cover was made from perforated metal."
Usually appears in technical compounds and is less common as a standalone adjective.
From Latin perforare, the word literally means “to bore through,” giving perforate its association with holes, punctures, and precise piercing.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How perforate is actually used
The verb is formal and technical, especially in manufacturing, engineering, and materials. In everyday use, pierce, puncture, and hole may sound more natural depending on the context.