body piercing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, sometimes technical (in contexts of health/safety regulation).
Quick answer
What does “body piercing” mean?
The practice of puncturing or cutting a part of the human body to create an opening for wearing jewellery.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The practice of puncturing or cutting a part of the human body to create an opening for wearing jewellery.
The resulting hole or the jewellery itself; more broadly, the subculture and industry surrounding this practice.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling: 'jewellery' (UK) vs. 'jewelry' (US) in related contexts.
Connotations
Similar connotations in both varieties: associated with youth culture, fashion, self-expression, and sometimes rebellion.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “body piercing” in a Sentence
have + a body piercingget + a body piercing (done)be into + body piercingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “body piercing” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She works in a body-piercing salon.
- He follows strict body-piercing aftercare.
American English
- She works in a body piercing studio.
- He follows strict body piercing aftercare.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the industry: 'The body piercing market has grown significantly.'
Academic
Discussed in anthropology, sociology, or public health studies: 'The paper examines the social meanings of body piercing.'
Everyday
Casual conversation about personal style: 'I'm thinking of getting another body piercing.'
Technical
In health and safety guidelines: 'Sterile technique is mandatory for all body piercing procedures.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “body piercing”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “body piercing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “body piercing”
- Using 'body piercing' as a verb (incorrect: 'I will body piercing my nose'). Correct: 'I will get my nose pierced.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is primarily a noun. The verb is 'to pierce' or 'to get pierced'.
A tattoo inserts ink under the skin to create a permanent design, while a body piercing creates a hole to hold removable jewellery.
Yes, risks include infection, allergic reactions, or nerve damage if not performed in a hygienic, professional setting with proper aftercare.
Technically yes, but in everyday language, 'body piercing' often specifically refers to piercings elsewhere on the body (nose, eyebrow, navel, etc.).
The practice of puncturing or cutting a part of the human body to create an opening for wearing jewellery.
Body piercing is usually informal, sometimes technical (in contexts of health/safety regulation). in register.
Body piercing: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɒdi ˌpɪəsɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɑːdi ˌpɪrsɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'piercing' as making a hole to wear a ring; 'body' specifies it's not just ears.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A CANVAS (for art/self-expression).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate definition of 'body piercing'?