penetration
noun
pen·e·tra·tion
ˌpe-nə-ˈtrā-shən 
1
a
: the power to penetrate
especially
: the ability to discern deeply and acutely
b
: the depth to which something penetrates
c
: the extent to which a commercial product or agency is familiar or sells in a market
2
: the act or process of penetrating: such as
a
: the act of entering a country so that actual establishment of influence is accomplished
b
: an attack that penetrates the enemy's front or territory
Examples of penetration in a Sentence
Cuts in the skin could permit the penetration of bacteria into the body.
the penetration of the CIA by foreign agents
the penetration of the U.S. market by a foreign company
multiple penetrations into enemy territory
a writer who analyzes the underlying causes of the recession with great penetration
Recent Examples on the Web
For example, like Kochan did in real life, Molly prefers to keep her underwear on and generally avoids penetration.
—
Selome Hailu, Variety, 6 Apr. 2025
Outlining his forecasts for Netflix’s penetration growth in European markets driven by local content investment, Yoon models growth in EMEA subscribers from 101 million in 2024 to 120 million by 2026, reflecting a 9 percent compound annual growth rate.
—Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2025
With a low penetration rate of around 5%—according to reports—China has been touted as the holy grail of the fragrances industry for a number of years.
—Gemma A. Williams, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
France: The lower house of Parliament passed a bill that expands the definition of rape to include nonconsensual penetration.
—Natasha Frost, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for penetration
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Selome Hailu, Variety, 6 Apr. 2025
Outlining his forecasts for Netflix’s penetration growth in European markets driven by local content investment, Yoon models growth in EMEA subscribers from 101 million in 2024 to 120 million by 2026, reflecting a 9 percent compound annual growth rate.
—Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2025
With a low penetration rate of around 5%—according to reports—China has been touted as the holy grail of the fragrances industry for a number of years.
—Gemma A. Williams, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
France: The lower house of Parliament passed a bill that expands the definition of rape to include nonconsensual penetration.
—Natasha Frost, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for penetration
Cite this Entry
“Penetration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/penetration. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
penetration
noun
pen·e·tra·tion
ˌpen-ə-ˈtrā-shən
1
: the act or process of penetrating
2
a
: the depth to which something penetrates
b
: keen understanding
Medical Definition
penetration
noun
pen·e·tra·tion
ˌpen-ə-ˈtrā-shən
1
: the depth to which something penetrates
2
: the act or process of penetrating
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