- 1[transitive, intransitive] to make a small hole in something, or to go through something, with a sharp object pierce something The arrow pierced his shoulder. He pierced another hole in his belt with his knife. to have your ears/nose, etc. pierced (= to have a small hole made in your ears/nose so that you can wear jewelry there) pierce somebody (figurative) She was pierced to the heart with guilt. pierce through something The knife pierced through his coat.
- 2[transitive, intransitive] pierce (through) something (literary) (of light, sound, etc.) to be suddenly seen or heard Sirens pierced the silence of the night. Shafts of sunlight pierced the heavy mist.
- 3[transitive, intransitive] pierce (through) something to force a way through a barrier synonym penetrate They failed to pierce the Steelers defense.
pierce
verbNAmE//pɪrs//
Verb Forms present simple I / you / we / they pierce he / she / it pierces
past simple pierced
-ing form piercing
Check pronunciation: pierce