piercing

1 of 2

adjective

pierc·​ing ˈpir-siŋ 

: penetrating: such as

a

: loud, shrill

piercing cries

b

: perceptive

piercing eyes

c

: penetratingly cold : biting

a piercing wind

d

: cutting, incisive

piercing sarcasm

piercingly

ˈpir-siŋ-lē 

adverb

piercing

2 of 2

noun

: a piece of jewelry (such as a ring or stud) that is attached to pierced flesh

Synonyms

Adjective

• biting
• bitter
• sharp
• penetrating

Examples of piercing in a Sentence

Adjective

She looked at me with piercing eyes, and I was suddenly frightened that she knew what I had done.

I tried to avoid his piercing stare.

She felt a piercing sadness when she heard the news.

Noun

There's a small shop in town where they do tattooing and body piercing.

She got another ear piercing.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

As America celebrates its 249th anniversary and a declaration of independence from tyranny on July 4, Bolick's comments represent his most piercing and direct condemnation of actions taken by the country's highest political leaders. —Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 3 July 2025

And to eloquently share the piercing but ultimately inspiring tale of his family’s experience with the Special Olympics. —Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 6 June 2025

Noun

According to Schneider, Rowan focuses on safety by hiring licensed nurses to perform piercings and only selling hypoallergenic earrings. —Bebe Hodges, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025

Pierced Nails Belly rings, eyebrow piercings, and lip piercings are just some of the most popular body modifications that marked this era. —Thalía Henao, Allure, 11 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1977, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing piercing

• body piercing

Kids Definition

piercing

1 of 2 adjective

pierc·​ing

: having the ability to enter, pierce, or penetrate: as

a

: loud and shrill

piercing screams

b

: perceptive, keen

a piercing glance

c

: very cold

a piercing wind

piercingly

ˈpir-siŋ-lē

adverb

piercing

2 of 2 noun

: a piece of jewelry (as a ring or stud) that is attached to pierced flesh