# puncture

/ˈpəŋkʃɝ/ (US) · /pˈʌŋktʃɐ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/puncture
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a small hole in a tire or a piece of equipment that lets air or liquid escape. You usually get one when a sharp object like a nail pokes through the surface.

For teachers: a small hole in a tyre or other inflated object, typically caused by a sharp point. Refers to both the physical opening and the resulting loss of pressure.

## Examples

- I had to walk home because my bike had a puncture.
- The mechanic found a small puncture in the rear tyre caused by a piece of glass on the road.
- While modern tubeless tyres are designed to resist sudden blowouts, a slow puncture can still compromise vehicle handling over several days if the driver fails to monitor the pressure levels.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used with the verbs 'get', 'have', or 'repair'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.