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
The first provision would codify the US Election Assistance Commission’s recent addition of penetration testing to its certification process.
—
Eric Geller, WIRED, 30 July 2024
Depending on the shade cloth material and weave, sunlight penetration under shaded plants can be reduced as much as 20% or more.
—Betty Cahill, The Denver Post, 13 July 2024
Our ability to demonstrate strength in full-price selling and penetration, navigating inflation and its effect on the consumer, and managing inventory levels all point to our north-star objective around discipline.
—Vicki M. Young, Sourcing Journal, 3 July 2024
This can make standing while peeing possible, as well as occasional penetration.
—Quispe López, Them, 19 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for penetration 
Eric Geller, WIRED, 30 July 2024
Depending on the shade cloth material and weave, sunlight penetration under shaded plants can be reduced as much as 20% or more.
—Betty Cahill, The Denver Post, 13 July 2024
Our ability to demonstrate strength in full-price selling and penetration, navigating inflation and its effect on the consumer, and managing inventory levels all point to our north-star objective around discipline.
—Vicki M. Young, Sourcing Journal, 3 July 2024
This can make standing while peeing possible, as well as occasional penetration.
—Quispe López, Them, 19 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for penetration
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'penetration.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near penetration
Cite this Entry
“Penetration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/penetration. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
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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