indent

verb in·dent \ in-ˈdent \

Definition of indent

transitive verb

1 a : to divide (a document) so as to produce sections with irregular edges that can be matched for authentication

b : to draw up (something, such as a deed) in two or more exactly corresponding copies

2 : to notch the edge of : make jagged

3 : indenture

4 : to set (something, such as a line of a paragraph) in from the margin

5 chiefly British : to order by an indent

intransitive verb

1 obsolete : to make a formal or express agreement

2 : to form an indentation

3 chiefly British : to make out an indent for something

—

indenter

noun

— indent on

1 chiefly British : to make a requisition on

2 chiefly British : to draw on

Origin and Etymology of indent

Middle English, from Anglo-French endenter, from en- + dent tooth, from Latin dent-, dens — more at tooth

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

See Words from the same year

Other Handicraft Terms

biscuit, darn, tambour, wrought

indent

noun in·dent \ in-ˈdent , ˈin-ˌdent \

Definition of indent

1 a : indenture 1

b : a certificate issued by the U.S. at the close of the American Revolution for the principal or interest on the public debt

2 chiefly British

a : an official requisition

b : a purchase order for goods especially when sent from a foreign country

3 : indention

First Known Use of indent

15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

indent

verb in·dent \ in-ˈdent \

Definition of indent

transitive verb

1 : to force inward so as to form a depression

2 : to form a dent in

—

indenter

noun

Origin and Etymology of indent

Middle English endenten, from en- + denten to dent

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

indent

noun in·dent \ in-ˈdent , ˈin-ˌdent \

Definition of indent

: indentation

First Known Use of indent

1596

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

Other Printing Terms

epigraph, errata, leader, mechanical, notch, tittle, underscore, widow

INDENT Defined for Kids

indent

verb in·dent \ in-ˈdent \

Definition of indent for Students

indented; indenting

: to set in from the margin

Indent the first line of your paragraph.

Learn More about indent

See words that rhyme with indent Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for indent Spanish Central: Translation of indent Nglish: Translation of indent for Spanish speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up indent? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

indent

Definition of indent

indenter

Origin and Etymology of indent

Other Handicraft Terms

indent

Definition of indent

First Known Use of indent

indent

Definition of indent

indenter

Origin and Etymology of indent

indent

Definition of indent

First Known Use of indent

Other Printing Terms

INDENT Defined for Kids

indent

Definition of indent for Students

Learn More about indent

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

'Complement' vs. 'Compliment'

Trending: HRC: Media Opened Door to 'Charlatans'

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes