indentation

noun

in·​den·​ta·​tion ˌin-ˌden-ˈtā-shən 

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

Synonyms

• cavity
• concavity
• dent
• depression
• dint
• hole
• hollow
• indenture
• pit
• recess

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

The memory foam gently hugged our contours to offer superb spine alignment, with no lasting indentations after long periods in the same position. —Samson McDougall, Health, 9 Aug. 2024

Pitting edema occurs when swelling of the ankle or foot is so intense that a visible indentation can be left in the skin after being touched, says Ishibashi. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 5 Aug. 2024

There was still a faint indentation around her eye socket, from the telescope. —Sarah Braunstein, The New Yorker, 21 July 2024

These kinds of indentations are formed when a shot is fired from a smooth-bore musket, per the statement. —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

Kids Definition

indentation

noun

in·​den·​ta·​tion ˌin-ˌden-ˈtā-shən 

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

: dent entry 2 sense 1