Dictionary
1piercing
adjective
: seeming to have the power to see a person's thoughts or feelings
: very loud and high-pitched
: having a strong affect on someone : felt in a very noticeable way
Full Definition of PIERCING
: penetrating: as a : loud, shrill <piercing cries> b : perceptive <piercing eyes> c : penetratingly cold : biting <a piercing wind> d : cutting, incisive <piercing sarcasm>
— pierc·ing·ly \ˈpir-siŋ-lē\ adverb
See piercing defined for English-language learners
See piercing defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
First Known Use of PIERCING
14th century
2piercing
noun
: the act or practice of decorating your body with jewelry or other objects that are attached directly to your skin
: a hole through part of the body where a piece of jewelry can be attached
Full Definition of PIERCING
: a piece of jewelry (as a ring or stud) that is attached to pierced flesh
See piercing defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of PIERCING
1977
PIERCING[1] Defined for Kids
piercing
adjective pierc·ing \ˈpir-siŋ\
Definition of PIERCING for Kids
1
: able to penetrate <a piercing wind> <a piercing look>
2
: loud and high-pitched <piercing cries>
Learn More About PIERCING
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: piercing punchPrevious Word in the Dictionary: Pierce's diseaseAll Words Near: piercing
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up piercing? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).