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
Lightly dust the gnocchi with four and roll each one off the tines of a fork or butter paddle to create the grooves and small indentation.
—Mary Ann Esposito, Boston Herald, 28 May 2025
The rules also state that the end of the bat may have a cupped indentation up to 1 1/4 inches in depth, 2 inches wide and with at least a 1-inch diameter while adding experimental models must be approved by MLB.
—Anthony Stitt, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Mats with polyurethane foam cores or bottom layers tend to have identification load deflection/indentation force deflection numbers, which measure the foam’s firmness.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2025
There were also small, round indentations near the tracks.
—Amanda Schupak, CNN Money, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for indentation
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Mary Ann Esposito, Boston Herald, 28 May 2025
The rules also state that the end of the bat may have a cupped indentation up to 1 1/4 inches in depth, 2 inches wide and with at least a 1-inch diameter while adding experimental models must be approved by MLB.
—Anthony Stitt, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Mats with polyurethane foam cores or bottom layers tend to have identification load deflection/indentation force deflection numbers, which measure the foam’s firmness.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2025
There were also small, round indentations near the tracks.
—Amanda Schupak, CNN Money, 25 Apr. 2025
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 Jun. 2025.
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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