pierce

To make a hole in a body part so that jewelry can be worn there.

• She wants to pierce her ears.
• I had my nose pierced last summer.
• Does this studio pierce lips as well as ears?

How to use it: have/get something pierced (She got her ears pierced last week.)

Common phrases: pierce someone’s ears, pierce someone’s nose

To make a hole in something with a sharp object.

• The needle pierced the cloth.
• A thorn pierced my glove.
• Be careful not to pierce the bag with that knife.

How to use it: pierce something with something (Pierce the lid with a sharp nail.)

Similar words: puncture, penetrate

Common phrases: pierce something, pierce a hole, pierce the skin, pierce the surface

To suddenly interrupt silence or another continuing sound.

• A scream pierced the silence.
• The whistle pierced the steady hum of traffic.
• A baby’s cry suddenly pierced the quiet night.

Similar words: break, interrupt

Common phrases: pierce the silence, pierce the quiet, pierce the air