indelible

[in-del-uh-buhl]

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

/ ɪnˈdɛlɪbəl /

adjective

1. incapable of being erased or obliterated

2. making indelible marks

   indelible ink

Other Word Forms

• indelibility noun
• indelibleness noun
• indelibly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of indelible¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of indelible¹

C16: from Latin indēlēbilis indestructible, from _in- ¹ + delēre to destroy

Example Sentences

A photograph of him at age 3, posing on the Olympic Stadium field with his dad and dressed in a full Expos uniform, has remained an indelible image that proved prophetic.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

He stayed six months, made and lost a fortune, and gave us the indelible image of the Wall Street speculator.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

It’s not the same band that you saw in college; it’s not the same vibe, but the songs remain endlessly indelible, eternal.

Read more on Salon

Visiting the West Wales attraction has left an indelible mark on many childhoods, the couple said.

Read more on BBC

Although there was little American military spirit in the sky, the patriotic spirit on the ground was indelible, reminiscent of a Fourth of July celebration.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• enduring 
• lasting 
• memorable 
• stirring 
• unforgettable