English · Word Candidate

pierce

/pɪɹs/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: pierces · piercing · pierced

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To puncture; to break through.

Verb

The diver pierced the surface of the water with scarcely a splash.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To create a hole in the skin for the purpose of inserting jewelry.

Verb

Can you believe he pierced his tongue?

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

A piercing.

Noun

Actually, a navel pierce beautificates any feminine form, as I'm sure it does for you...

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

A pierced earring.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “pierce” mean?

To puncture; to break through.

Is “pierce” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.