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
Press your thumb in center of each patty to form a slight indentation (about 1 /4 inch deep).
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 30 Apr. 2026
Make four small indentations in vegetable mixture.
—Maddy Bendgen, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Apr. 2026
There’s even a neat little umbrella holster indentation in the very back to contain the runoff from a wet umbrella—great feature to have here in the rainy springtime.
—Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 15 Apr. 2026
The Filter/Fn1, Zoom Frame Assist/Fn2, and Play buttons are just below the thumb indentation.
—Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 14 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for indentation
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Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 30 Apr. 2026
Make four small indentations in vegetable mixture.
—Maddy Bendgen, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Apr. 2026
There’s even a neat little umbrella holster indentation in the very back to contain the runoff from a wet umbrella—great feature to have here in the rainy springtime.
—Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 15 Apr. 2026
The Filter/Fn1, Zoom Frame Assist/Fn2, and Play buttons are just below the thumb indentation.
—Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 14 Apr. 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 10 May. 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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