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
Locate indoor entry points, paying particular attention to windows, doors, and plumbing and utility penetrations.
—
Kim Luciani, The Enquirer, 14 July 2025
Johnson’s detective is Leonard English, washed up in P-town in the wake of a suicide attempt, desperately on the hunt for a feeling of religious penetration or insight, but meanwhile battling deep bouts of doubt, depression, and dementia.
—Dwyer Murphy
june 24, Literary Hub, 24 June 2025
Given the options Inter had in the early stages of their possession with a back three and a trio of midfielders, quicker and sharper passes could have disrupted Urawa’s shape through the heart of the pitch, but instead, the ball was horseshoed across the pitch without any real penetration.
—James Horncastle, New York Times, 21 June 2025
But the spectacular surprise attacks that Ukraine and Israel have pulled off against their enemies suggest just how serious such penetration can become.
—Thomas Wright, The Atlantic, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for penetration
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Kim Luciani, The Enquirer, 14 July 2025
Johnson’s detective is Leonard English, washed up in P-town in the wake of a suicide attempt, desperately on the hunt for a feeling of religious penetration or insight, but meanwhile battling deep bouts of doubt, depression, and dementia.
—Dwyer Murphy
june 24, Literary Hub, 24 June 2025
Given the options Inter had in the early stages of their possession with a back three and a trio of midfielders, quicker and sharper passes could have disrupted Urawa’s shape through the heart of the pitch, but instead, the ball was horseshoed across the pitch without any real penetration.
—James Horncastle, New York Times, 21 June 2025
But the spectacular surprise attacks that Ukraine and Israel have pulled off against their enemies suggest just how serious such penetration can become.
—Thomas Wright, The Atlantic, 19 June 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 21 Jul. 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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