indentation

noun

in·​den·​ta·​tion ˌin-ˌden-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce indentation (audio)
1
a
: the blank space produced by indenting : indention sense 1a
a half-inch indentation
b
: the action of indenting
indentation of a line of text
: the condition of being indented
a paragraph set out by indentation
2
a
: an angular cut (such as a notch) or something resembling such a cut in an edge
indentations along the edge of a leaf
b
: a usually deep recess (as along a coastline)
a coastline with many indentations
3
: dent
Test [the fish] by depressing the flesh with a finger; it should spring back to its original shape leaving no indentation.Carole Sugarman

Examples of indentation in a Sentence

Our style guidelines call for indentation of the first line of each paragraph. a coastline with many indentations There were several small indentations in the surface of the table.
Recent Examples on the Web Squeeze the indentation between the two digits with your opposite hand's thumb and index finger and massage in a circular motion for five minutes, then switch hands. Amanda MacMillan, Health, 26 Feb. 2024 The car’s front license plate had a bike tire scuff mark and indentation. Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 2 Jan. 2024 Another sign of alopecia is nail pitting, which refers to small indentations on the fingernails. Ayana Underwood, SELF, 30 Jan. 2024 On our kayaking trip, Campbell points out indentations along the shoreline made by manatees dragging themselves onto land in a desperate search for something to eat. Kiley Bense, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Jan. 2024 His chest still bears a deep indentation from something that bit him in his first week. Katharine Houreld, Washington Post, 6 Jan. 2024 Here are the other objects that are always a part of Passover Seder: The sedar plate The most recognizable item on the table is the large round plate with 6 indentations. Holly Rizzuto Palker, Parents, 17 Sep. 2023 The technique uses an atomic force microscope to form indentations in a two-layer stack of atomically thin materials. IEEE Spectrum, 5 Sep. 2023 With each, spread and place your three middle fingers on top and press down to create indentations. Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'indentation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of indentation was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near indentation

Cite this Entry

“Indentation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indentation. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

indentation

noun
in·​den·​ta·​tion ˌin-ˌden-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce indentation (audio)
1
a
: an angular cut in an edge : notch
b
: a deep recess (as in a coastline)
2
a
: the action of indenting : the state of being indented
b
: a blank or empty space produced by indenting
3

More from Merriam-Webster on indentation

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