indelible

adjective

in·​del·​i·​ble in-ˈde-lə-bəl 

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

(ˌ)in-ˌde-lə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

indelibly

in-ˈde-lə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms of indelible

• memorable

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

One of the most recognizable and distinctive vocalists of the classic rock era, Clayton-Thomas left an indelible mark on the musical landscape of the 1960s and ’70s. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 25 June 2026

Steinbeck’s epic historical novel about two families living in the Salinas Valley paints an indelible portrait of life in California in the early 1900s, from the turn of the century through World War I. — Michael Schaub, Oc Register, 25 June 2026

Season 5 leans into the series’ best qualities, trusting its cast of breakout stars to turn a relatively simple meal into an indelible final course. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 25 June 2026

With his death at 100, Greenspan leaves an indelible mark on the economy and the markets. — Harry Kraemer, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

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

Rhymes for indelible

• compellable

Kids Definition

indelible

adjective

in·​del·​i·​ble in-ˈdel-ə-bəl 

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

-blē 

adverb