A punched opening is an area left unfilled when framing a new wall elevation. This area is the width and height for windows, doors, and complete systems, "rough opening".
The term punched opening is used through out the entire construction / building industry as a reference to an area that will need to be filled with some type of building sub component, "like storefront doors".
Example Usage: How much are your going to charge me for a new door for that punched opening?