indefinite

adjective

in·​def·​i·​nite (ˌ)in-ˈde-fə-nət How to pronounce indefinite (audio)
-ˈdef-nət
Synonyms of indefinitenext
: not definite: such as
a
: not precise : vague
an indefinite answer
b
: having no exact limits
an indefinite period of time
put on indefinite hold
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.
For a complete list of all permanent, indefinite and long-term exhibitions, please consult individual museum websites. Washington Post Staff, Washington Post, 15 May 2026 Despite the indefinite suspension, alcohol could again be served on the premises if the liquor license is transferred to a new owner. Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 14 May 2026 No second looks Unlike Instagram Stories, which remain on a user's profile for 24 hours and can be viewed an indefinite number of times by other users, Instants can only be viewed once, Lyons-Laing explained. Greta Cross, USA Today, 13 May 2026 For patients with three or more lifetime depressive episodes, the ASCP itself supports indefinite maintenance therapy. Jonathan Slater, STAT, 13 May 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Indefinite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indefinite. Accessed 19 May. 2026.

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

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