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
Modeling from consulting firm Lane Clark and Peacock suggests that Northern Scotland would experience lower wholesale prices owing to their high renewable penetration and relatively low demand.
—
Neha Hegde, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2025
One drag on consumption is the fact that digital device penetration rates have peaked in major markets including the U.S., the report noted.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 16 Apr. 2025
Pruning: Removing unnecessary leaves and branches improves airflow and light penetration.
—Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 11 Apr. 2025
This bundle comes with beginner-friendly guides to teach you common cybersecurity skills like hacking and penetration testing.
—Stackcommerce Team (sponsored), PC Magazine, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for penetration
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Neha Hegde, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2025
One drag on consumption is the fact that digital device penetration rates have peaked in major markets including the U.S., the report noted.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 16 Apr. 2025
Pruning: Removing unnecessary leaves and branches improves airflow and light penetration.
—Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 11 Apr. 2025
This bundle comes with beginner-friendly guides to teach you common cybersecurity skills like hacking and penetration testing.
—Stackcommerce Team (sponsored), PC Magazine, 10 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 30 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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