indelible

adjective

in·​del·​i·​ble in-ˈde-lə-bəl How to pronounce indelible (audio)
1
a
: that cannot be removed, washed away, or erased
b
: making marks that cannot easily be removed
an indelible pencil
2
a
: lasting
indelible memories
b
: unforgettable, memorable
an indelible performance
indelibility noun
indelibly adverb

Examples of indelible in a Sentence

But the most indelible evening of the rebellion for me was the night I had first got beaten. Amiri Baraka, The Autobiography of Leroi Jones, 1984
All wars change society and hence leave an indelible imprint on literary culture. Michiko Kakutani, New York Times Book Review, 15 Apr. 1984
The illustrator of children's books surpasses other artists in the impressionability of his audience; it is beyond calculation, no doubt, what touches will produce an indelible effect, when the receiving surface of a child's psyche is so soft and mysteriously laden and momentous with its own raw energy. John Updike, New York Times Book Review, 4 Dec. 1983
winning the state basketball championship was our team's most indelible experience
Recent Examples on the Web Paying homage to legendary elder artists, the section On the Shoulders of Giants features work by artists who have left an indelible mark on the world. Okla Jones, Essence, 28 Nov. 2023 Anthony has left an indelible mark on SAC Athletics and everyone who was blessed to know him. Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 25 Nov. 2023 Actors, musicians, writers and other cultural figures can make an indelible mark on our own real and lived experience. Amy Dickinson, Washington Post, 18 Nov. 2023 The Awards this year will recognize some of the industry’s most memorable icons, those who’ve shaped the landscape of American fashion and left indelible marks in the industry at large. José Criales-Unzueta, Vogue, 6 Nov. 2023 Her genuine compassion and empathy endeared her to countless individuals, leaving an indelible mark on their lives. Kerry Breen, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2023 Over his 30-year career, Bart left an indelible mark on the modeling industry, helping to launch the careers of such iconic names as Lauren Hutton, Kate Moss, Stephanie Seymore, Hailey Bieber, Gigi Hadid, Ashley Graham, Gisele Bündchen and Tyra Banks. Erin Clack, Peoplemag, 30 Oct. 2023 Her warm smile, kind words, and caring actions left an indelible mark on our hearts. Antonio Planas, NBC News, 25 Oct. 2023 The images from this time became indelible: platoons of uniformed personnel in the mist, combing through the bramble; fire trucks with long ladders extended out and over the beach brush; officers peering down with binoculars from elevated buckets. Robert Kolker, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'indelible.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English indelyble, from Medieval Latin indelibilis, alteration of Latin indelebilis, from in- + delēre to delete

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of indelible was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near indelible

Cite this Entry

“Indelible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indelible. Accessed 11 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

indelible

adjective
in·​del·​i·​ble in-ˈdel-ə-bəl How to pronounce indelible (audio)
1
: impossible to erase, remove, or blot out
an indelible impression
2
: making or leaving marks not easily erased
an indelible pencil
indelible ink
indelibly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on indelible

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