indentation
noun
in·den·ta·tion
ˌin-ˌden-ˈtā-shən 
1
a
: the blank space produced by indenting : indention sense 1a
a half-inch indentation
2
a
: an angular cut (such as a notch) or something resembling such a cut in an edge
indentations along the edge of a leaf
b
: a usually deep recess (as along a coastline)
a coastline with many indentations
3
: dent
Test [the fish] by depressing the flesh with a finger; it should spring back to its original shape leaving no indentation.—
Carole Sugarman
Carole SugarmanExamples of indentation in a Sentence
Our style guidelines call for indentation of the first line of each paragraph.
a coastline with many indentations
There were several small indentations in the surface of the table.
Recent Examples on the Web
The indentations in the squishy mud harkened to a creature that had webbed toes and distinct claws.
—Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 11 Feb. 2026
Police found three bullet holes in the passenger side of the other car, as well as a bullet ricochet indentation on the car’s rear wheel panel, according to the report.
—David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2026
Use a pencil to make a narrow, deep indentation in the soil.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2026
Press a small indentation in the center if desired.
—Michiko Tomioka, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for indentation
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Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 11 Feb. 2026
Police found three bullet holes in the passenger side of the other car, as well as a bullet ricochet indentation on the car’s rear wheel panel, according to the report.
—David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2026
Use a pencil to make a narrow, deep indentation in the soil.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2026
Press a small indentation in the center if desired.
—Michiko Tomioka, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for indentation
Cite this Entry
“Indentation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indentation. Accessed 13 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
indentation
noun
in·den·ta·tion
ˌin-ˌden-ˈtā-shən
1
a
: an angular cut in an edge : notch
b
: a deep recess (as in a coastline)
2
a
: the action of indenting : the state of being indented
b
: a blank or empty space produced by indenting
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