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

Press your thumb into the top of the dough ball to make an indentation for filling. —Kayla Samoy, Chicago Tribune, 4 Dec. 2024

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

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