adj
Uncommon
piercing
PEER-sihng
Piercing (adj) means Sharp and penetrating, whether describing a look, sound, or cold. Example: “She gave him a piercing stare across the room.”
adj
1
Sharp and penetrating, whether describing a look, sound, or cold.
"She gave him a piercing stare across the room."
"A piercing wind cut through their coats."
"A piercing scream from the playground made everyone look up."
noun
1
A hole made in the body to hold jewellery, or the jewellery itself.
"He got a new piercing in his eyebrow."
"She took out her old piercing and put in a tiny silver stud."
"You should keep a fresh piercing clean until it has healed."
How to use piercing
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSharply penetrating (of sound, cold, or a look), or a body piercing.
Common pairings
piercing scream
piercing gaze
ear piercing
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like piercing.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Comparative
- more piercing
- Superlative
- most piercing
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She gave him a _____ stare across the room.
Etymology
From "pierce" plus the "-ing" ending.
Synonyms
View more →
stinging
penetrating
shrill
sharp
incisive
knifelike
lancinating
discriminating
acute
keen
lancinate
cutting
Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “piercing” mean?
The word “piercing” means sharp and penetrating, whether describing a look, sound, or cold. In plain terms, sharply penetrating (of sound, cold, or a look), or a body piercing.
How do you pronounce “piercing”?
“Piercing” is pronounced PEER-sihng (/ˈpɪɹsɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “piercing” in a sentence?
Here is “piercing” used in a sentence: “She gave him a piercing stare across the room.”
What part of speech is “piercing”?
Depending on how it is used, “piercing” can be an adjective and a noun.
Is “piercing” a common word?
“Piercing” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “piercing” have?
“Piercing” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: sharp and penetrating, whether describing a look, sound, or cold.
What is the difference between "piercing" as an adjective and as a noun?
As an adjective, "piercing" describes something sharp and penetrating, such as a piercing look, sound, or cold. As a noun, a "piercing" refers to a hole made in the body to hold jewellery, or the jewellery itself.
What is the difference between a "piercing" and a "tattoo"?
A piercing is a hole made in the body, usually to hold jewellery, while a tattoo is permanent ink applied under the skin to create a design. Both are forms of body modification, but a piercing involves an opening in the body rather than pigment.
Can "piercing" describe a sound as well as a look?
Yes, "piercing" is commonly used to describe sounds, such as a piercing scream or whistle, as well as visual and physical sensations, such as a piercing stare or piercing cold. In each case, it conveys something sharp and intense enough to feel almost painful.
