indelible

American  

[in-del-uh-buhl] / ɪnˈdɛl ə bəl /

adjective

1. making marks that cannot be erased, removed, or washed out.

   indelible ink.

2. impossible to eliminate, forget, or change.

   the indelible memories of war;

   the indelible influence of a great teacher.

---

indelible British  

/ ɪnˈdɛlɪbəl /

adjective

1. incapable of being erased or obliterated

2. making indelible marks

   indelible ink

---

Other Word Forms

• indelibility noun
• indelibleness noun
• indelibly adverb

Etymology

Origin of indelible

First recorded in 1520–30; from Medieval Latin indēlibilis; replacing indeleble, from Latin indēlēbilis “indestructible”; in- ³, dele, -ble

Example Sentences

Also among Mr. Stoppard’s most indelible achievements was “The Invention of Love,” his elegiac and beautifully compassionate play about the poet A.E.

From The Wall Street Journal

We ask writers to share their most indelible travel memories.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Fuzzy was a true original whose talent and charisma left an indelible mark on the game of golf."

From Barron's

“A unique artistic couple, capable of leaving an indelible imprint on the collective imagination.”

From Los Angeles Times

A right that had seemed indelible to women had suddenly been taken away.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• enduring
• lasting
• memorable
• stirring
• unforgettable