porous

adjective

po·​rous ˈpȯr-əs How to pronounce porous (audio)
1
a
: possessing or full of pores
b
: containing vessels
hardwood is porous
2
a
: permeable to fluids
b
: permeable to outside influences
3
: capable of being penetrated
porous national boundaries
porously adverb
porousness noun

Examples of porous in a Sentence

The country has a porous border. a cleaner that should not be used on porous surfaces
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Laminate isn’t porous, but moisture can still seep into seams and edges, causing peeling or swelling over time, according to Stein. Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2025 But the front line was porous, with locals travelling back and forth to visit relatives, obtain medical care, and collect pensions. Joshua Yaffa, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025 West Ham have been porous defensively this season, conceding 46 goals in the Premier League. Roshane Thomas, The Athletic, 7 Feb. 2025 The porous perimeter defense is something the Knicks can’t afford: The best teams in basketball — the ones New York will have to beat in the playoffs — live at the three-point line. Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for porous

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of porous was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Porous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/porous. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

porous

adjective
po·​rous ˈpōr-əs How to pronounce porous (audio)
ˈpȯr-
1
: full of pores
2
: capable of absorbing liquids

Medical Definition

porous

adjective
po·​rous ˈpōr-əs, ˈpȯr- How to pronounce porous (audio)
1
: possessing or full of pores
porous bones
2
: permeable to fluids

More from Merriam-Webster on porous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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