plural indentations
1
a
: a space at the beginning of a written line or paragraph : indent
a smaller/larger indentation
b
: the act of indenting a line or paragraph
Our style guidelines call for indentation of the first line of each paragraph.
2
a
: a cut in or into the edge of something
A slight indentation [=notch] was cut into the wood.
b
: an area where the edge of something goes sharply inward
a coastline with many indentations
3
: a small hole or inward curve made by pressure : dent
There were several small indentations in the surface of the table.
bowl-shaped indentations
Cite this Entry
“Indentation.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/indentation. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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