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
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
Carole SugarmanSynonyms
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
What’s more, the indentations could provide additional insights about early microbial life on Earth, which thrived when oxygen wasn’t present.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Oct. 2024
Eventually, the caverns’ ceilings might have collapsed, making the large indentations on the lakebed.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Oct. 2024
That said, if the limes are so soft your fingers leave indentations, the fruit is probably overripe.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2024
The handle is gently curved for a comfortable grip with a dull indentation at the base of the blade for cooks to rest their pointer fingers on for greater control.
—Lizzy Briskin, Peoplemag, 20 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for indentation 
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Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Oct. 2024
Eventually, the caverns’ ceilings might have collapsed, making the large indentations on the lakebed.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Oct. 2024
That said, if the limes are so soft your fingers leave indentations, the fruit is probably overripe.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2024
The handle is gently curved for a comfortable grip with a dull indentation at the base of the blade for cooks to rest their pointer fingers on for greater control.
—Lizzy Briskin, Peoplemag, 20 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for indentation
Dictionary Entries Near indentation
Cite this Entry
“Indentation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indentation. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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