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
Analyzing Neanderthal Art The object, before being fully excavated and after, with three main indentations and a red dot.
—Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 27 May 2025
Cylindrical keycaps will have a U-shaped indentation with peaks on either side and a dip in the center, while spherical keycaps are going to be more bowl-like, with peaks on all four corners and a divot in the center.
—Henri Robbins, WIRED, 24 Mar. 2025
Sheets’ arm and body had left an indentation in the wall.
Sheets, who was said to have a head bruise and also have banged up his hip, wrist and thumb, traveled to San Francisco with the Padres on Sunday evening.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 June 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for indentation
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.
Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 27 May 2025
Cylindrical keycaps will have a U-shaped indentation with peaks on either side and a dip in the center, while spherical keycaps are going to be more bowl-like, with peaks on all four corners and a divot in the center.
—Henri Robbins, WIRED, 24 Mar. 2025
Sheets’ arm and body had left an indentation in the wall.
Sheets, who was said to have a head bruise and also have banged up his hip, wrist and thumb, traveled to San Francisco with the Padres on Sunday evening.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 June 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for indentation
Cite this Entry
“Indentation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indentation. Accessed 30 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share