indent

1 of 4

verb (1)

in·​dent in-ˈdent How to pronounce indent (audio)
indented; indenting; indents

transitive verb

1
: to set (something, such as a line of a paragraph) in from the margin
2
: to notch the edge of : make jagged
3
chiefly British : to order by an indent
4
5
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

intransitive verb

1
: to form an indentation
2
chiefly British : to make out an indent for something
3
obsolete : to make a formal or express agreement
indenter noun

indent

2 of 4

noun (1)

1
: the blank space produced by indenting : indention
Begin each paragraph with an indent.
a half-inch indent
2
b
: a certificate issued by the U.S. at the close of the American Revolution for the principal or interest on the public debt
3
chiefly British
a
: an official requisition
b
: a purchase order for goods especially when sent from a foreign country

indent

3 of 4

verb (2)

in·​dent in-ˈdent How to pronounce indent (audio)
indented; indenting; indents

transitive verb

1
: to force inward so as to form a depression
2
: to form a dent in

indent

4 of 4

noun (2)

Phrases
indent on
1
chiefly British : to make a requisition on
2
chiefly British : to draw on

Examples of indent in a Sentence

Noun (2) with the heel of his boot he made a sizable indent in the dirt as a temporary marker
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.
Verb
The handle has microdots indented at the major pressure points, providing extra grip, as well as giving the perfect balance and weight to make holiday food prep a breeze. Chelsea Davis, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024 The soft, wave-like surface draws inspiration from the designer’s homeland, the Republic of Karelia in Finland, indented by bays and gulfs. Sofia Celeste, WWD, 26 Sep. 2024
Noun
The 15-ounce dustbin pulls free by pressing a lever and opens by pinching the finger indents in the top. PCMAG, 28 Oct. 2024 Kardashian showcased undated photos of her face that highlighted the indent prior to getting the injections, as well as photos of what her face looked like afterward. Alli Rosenbloom, CNN, 14 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for indent 

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

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

Verb (2)

Middle English endenten, from en- + denten to dent

First Known Use

Verb (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 5a

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Verb (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1596, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of indent was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near indent

Cite this Entry

“Indent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indent. Accessed 14 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

indent

1 of 2 verb
in·​dent in-ˈdent How to pronounce indent (audio)
1
: to notch the edge of : make jagged
indented leaves
2
: to set in from the margin
indent the first line of a paragraph

indent

2 of 2 verb
: to form a dent in
indenter noun
Etymology

Verb

Middle English indenten "indent," from early French endenter (same meaning), from earlier en- "to provide with" and dent "tooth," from Latin dent-, dens "tooth" — related to dental

More from Merriam-Webster on indent

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