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
One of the downsides of wearing a silk bonnet or satin bonnet is that sometimes indentations or red lines can appear on the forehead where the elastic band or tie was during the night.
—Jamie Wilson, Glamour, 30 May 2025
In fact, thanks to a hooked indentation on the inside of one of its jaws, the wrench actually triples as a bottle opener.
—Ben Coxworth
may 27, New Atlas, 27 May 2025
According to the study authors, while the circular indentations may be tied to the theropod’s attempts at nest building, the scratches are more likely the remains of their ritual dance-offs, in which male dinosaurs dug deep into the sand, slashing their claws and sending spews of dust into the air.
—Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 27 June 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for indentation
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Jamie Wilson, Glamour, 30 May 2025
In fact, thanks to a hooked indentation on the inside of one of its jaws, the wrench actually triples as a bottle opener.
—Ben Coxworth
may 27, New Atlas, 27 May 2025
According to the study authors, while the circular indentations may be tied to the theropod’s attempts at nest building, the scratches are more likely the remains of their ritual dance-offs, in which male dinosaurs dug deep into the sand, slashing their claws and sending spews of dust into the air.
—Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 27 June 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for indentation
Cite this Entry
“Indentation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indentation. Accessed 29 Jul. 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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