indefinite

adjective

in·​def·​i·​nite (ˌ)in-ˈde-fə-nət How to pronounce indefinite (audio)
-ˈdef-nət
: not definite: such as
a
: not precise : vague
b
: having no exact limits
c
: typically designating an unidentified, generic, or unfamiliar person or thing
the indefinite articles a and an
indefinite pronouns
indefinite noun
indefinitely adverb
indefiniteness noun

Examples of indefinite in a Sentence

We're stuck here for an indefinite period of time. Their plans have been put on indefinite hold. She is indefinite about her plans.
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.
Stellantis had announced no scheduled production at Detroit Assembly Complex − Jefferson and put shifts on indefinite layoff at the Mack plant this week. Eric D. Lawrence, Detroit Free Press, 30 Oct. 2024 The band announced an indefinite hiatus in 2019 but returned to touring in 2022. Holly V. Hays, The Indianapolis Star, 28 Oct. 2024 Having gone on indefinite hiatus in 2016, the members of One Direction haven’t performed together in nearly a decade and their millions of young admirers have since grown up. Leah Asmelash, CNN, 22 Oct. 2024 The band went on to become one of the highest-selling boy bands in history, selling 70 million records worldwide before announcing an indefinite hiatus in 2016. Thania Garcia, Variety, 19 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for indefinite 

Word History

Etymology

Latin indefinitus, from in- + definitus definite

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of indefinite was in 1530

Dictionary Entries Near indefinite

Cite this Entry

“Indefinite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indefinite. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

indefinite

adjective
in·​def·​i·​nite (ˈ)in-ˈdef-(ə-)nət How to pronounce indefinite (audio)
1
: not clear or fixed in meaning or details : vague
an indefinite answer
2
: not certain or limited (as in amount or length)
an indefinite period
3
: typically designating a person or thing that is unidentified or cannot be immediately identified
the indefinite articles "a" and "an"
indefinite noun
indefinitely adverb
indefiniteness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on indefinite

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!