Piercing
'pɪərsɪŋ
Definitions
3 meaningsTo penetrate or go through something with a sharp pointed object; to perforate.
'pɪərs
To make a hole or holes in something with a sharp pointed object.
The arrow pierced the target.
💡 Simply: Like when you poke a hole in something with a needle or a sharp stick. Think about when you get your ears pierced or when a doctor gives you a shot!
👶 For kids: To make a hole in something using something pointy, like a needle.
More Examples
He pierced the steak with a fork.
The cold wind pierced through his thin jacket.
How It's Used
"The doctor pierced the patient's skin to administer the injection."
"She decided to pierce her ear."
Having a sharp or penetrating effect; often describes cold, sound, or gaze.
'pɪərsɪŋ
Having a sharp or intense quality; having a sharp or shrill sound.
The piercing cold made it difficult to breathe.
💡 Simply: When something is super sharp or intense, like the wind that makes you shiver or a super loud noise that makes you jump. Imagine the cold that makes you really feel it!
👶 For kids: Something sharp or loud that you can feel a lot, like a cold wind or a scream.
More Examples
A piercing scream echoed through the canyon.
She had piercing blue eyes that seemed to see right through him.
How It's Used
"The piercing cold of the winter wind chilled him to the bone."
"A piercing scream filled the night."
The act of making a hole in something, or a hole that has been made.
'pɪərsɪŋ
The act of making a hole with a sharp object; a hole made by piercing.
Her ear piercing was still sore.
💡 Simply: When you get a hole made in your skin, like when you get your ears pierced. It’s the hole itself or the action of making it.
👶 For kids: A hole someone makes in your body, like when you get your ears done.
More Examples
The artist created a sculpture with numerous piercings.
A nose piercing is a popular form of body modification.
How It's Used
"She got her ear piercing last week."
Idioms & expressions
piercing gaze
A stare that seems to see through you and understand your thoughts.
"She fixed me with a piercing gaze, making me feel uncomfortable."
piercing eyes
Eyes that seem to penetrate or see deeply.
"The woman had piercing blue eyes that made her seem mysterious."
piercing scream
A very loud, sharp, and high-pitched scream.
"The children let out piercing screams when they saw the spider."
From Middle English *percynge*, present participle of *percen* (“to pierce”). Ultimately from Latin *pertundō* (“to pierce through”).
The word 'piercing' has been used in the English language since the late 13th century, originally derived from Old French 'percer'. Early uses focused on the physical act of penetrating.
Memory tip
Imagine a sharp needle going through a piece of fabric.
Word Origin
"to pierce through (pertundō)"