Word
Definition
n. 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.
n. 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.”
Examples
simple
“I had to walk home because my bike had a puncture.”
contextual
“The mechanic found a small puncture in the rear tyre caused by a piece of glass on the road.”
complex
“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
Commonly used with the verbs 'get', 'have', or 'repair'.
Real-World Examples
“The walls have been shaved off one side of her house, and a gaping hole punctures what used to be the roof.” “In the new study, researchers examined several kinds of depressions, punctures, holes, and grooves that appeared to have been left by teeth.” Etymology
From Late Latin punctūra.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/puncture
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0