piercing
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: piercings
Sense 1
A hole made in the body so that jewellery can be worn through it.
Noun
Examples
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).
Sense 2
An item of jewellery designed to be fitted through a piercing (noun sense 2).
Noun
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
Appearing to look deeply into; penetrating.
Adjective
Examples
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).
Sense 4
Of temperature, extremely cold so that it penetrates through clothing and shelter.
Adjective
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “piercing” mean?
A hole made in the body so that jewellery can be worn through it.
Is “piercing” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.