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 SugarmanExamples 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
Each of these works has a crenulated indentation and a line descending it (or drip as the case may be).
—Tom Teicholz, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
There are slight indentations along the side of the blade that prevent slices of food from clinging to the knife.
—Bestreviews, The Mercury News, 20 Feb. 2025
Put the tip of the spatula (or the tip of a spoon) on the bottom of the outer edge of the pavlova and pull upward, creating an indentation in the pavlova with a bit of a peak on top.
—Martin Sorge, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025
The boy had scratches and red swelling on his chest and an indentation on his lower leg near his shin, the warrant affidavit said.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for indentation
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Tom Teicholz, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
There are slight indentations along the side of the blade that prevent slices of food from clinging to the knife.
—Bestreviews, The Mercury News, 20 Feb. 2025
Put the tip of the spatula (or the tip of a spoon) on the bottom of the outer edge of the pavlova and pull upward, creating an indentation in the pavlova with a bit of a peak on top.
—Martin Sorge, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025
The boy had scratches and red swelling on his chest and an indentation on his lower leg near his shin, the warrant affidavit said.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for indentation
Cite this Entry
“Indentation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indentation. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.
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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