What does puncture mean?
To puncture is to make a small hole in something, usually by pushing a sharp point through its surface. The word also has a figurative meaning: to puncture a claim, argument, plan, or person's confidence is to weaken or undermine it abruptly and often humorously. As a noun, a puncture is the hole itself, such as a puncture in a bicycle tyre, and the word can also refer to the act of piercing. Puncture is common in both everyday and technical contexts, while figurative uses often suggest that an inflated or impressive idea has been exposed as flawed. The word is related to punctuation, punctual, and punctilious, all of which preserve the idea of a point or a sharp distinction.
To pierce or make a small hole in something, especially by means of a sharp object.
"The thorn punctured her glove as she reached into the bushes."
Often used with tyres, containers, membranes, and other objects that can lose air or liquid when pierced.
To weaken, undermine, or abruptly deflate an argument, claim, plan, or feeling.
"The committee's question punctured the minister's confident defence."
This figurative sense is often used in journalism and formal discussion, as well as in conversational English.
A small hole made in an object, especially a tyre, tube, or container.
"The mechanic repaired a puncture in the car's rear tyre."
The word is particularly common in British English, although it is also used in American English.
The act or process of piercing an object, or a sharp interruption that deflates or disrupts something.
"The speech was an effective puncture of the opposition's campaign."
In figurative use, the noun often means a moment or remark that undercuts confidence or credibility.
The plural is used for multiple holes or instances of piercing, and is especially common for damage to tyres.
"The inspection found two punctures in the sidewall."
The word puncture comes from the same Latin root as punctuation, so a puncture and a punctuation mark are, quite literally, two kinds of points.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does puncture come from?
The English word comes through French from Latin punctura, a noun meaning “a puncture,” derived from pungere, “to prick” or “pierce,” and related to punctus, “a point.” The verb and noun forms developed in English during the 17th century. The same Latin root also underlies punctual, punctuate, and punctuation, all connected with points, marks, or precise distinctions.
Related word forms
How puncture is actually used
In literal use, puncture is neutral and technical or everyday. In figurative use, especially with arguments, confidence, or pride, it suggests abruptly weakening or deflating something. The noun is commonly used for a puncture in a tyre or other pressurized object.