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
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
After creating a three-dimensional scan of the area, researchers then compared the indentations to various animals’ teeth marks.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 23 Apr. 2025
However, the number isn’t the only thing that’s significant, as the symmetry of these tiny indentations keeps balls moving in smooth patterns and prevents wobbling.
—Bestreviews, The Mercury News, 13 Mar. 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.
Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2025
There were also small, round indentations near the tracks.
—Amanda Schupak, CNN Money, 25 Apr. 2025
After creating a three-dimensional scan of the area, researchers then compared the indentations to various animals’ teeth marks.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 23 Apr. 2025
However, the number isn’t the only thing that’s significant, as the symmetry of these tiny indentations keeps balls moving in smooth patterns and prevents wobbling.
—Bestreviews, The Mercury News, 13 Mar. 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 2 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