indentation

[in-den-tey-shuhn]

noun

1. a cut, notch, or deep recess.

   various bays and indentations.

2. a series of incisions or notches.

   the indentation of a maple leaf.

3. a notching or being notched.

4. indention.

indentation

/ ˌɪndɛnˈteɪʃən /

noun

1. a hollowed, notched, or cut place, as on an edge or on a coastline

2. a series of hollows, notches, or cuts

3. the act of indenting or the condition of being indented

4. Also called: indention.  indent. the leaving of space or the amount of space left between a margin and the start of an indented line

indentation

1. A space left between the left-hand margin of a line of type or handwriting and the beginning of a sentence or quotation. The beginning of a paragraph is usually indented.

Word History and Origins

Origin of indentation¹

First recorded in 1715–25; indent ¹ + -ation

Example Sentences

The bullet is still in his leg to this day, marked by a coin-shaped indentation on his calf.

From Los Angeles Times

For air-fried burgers, flatten your patties as much as possible and press an indentation in the center to prevent them from puffing up.

From Salon

Drive through enough neighborhoods in Los Angeles, and you might notice an odd phenomenon: In front of some newer apartment and commercial buildings, the street is slightly wider, and the sidewalk meanders around the indentation.

From Los Angeles Times

The first is a generous, pear-shaped indentation to hold a lit cigarette or cigar.

From Los Angeles Times

Kinter and Roberts said the indentations are streambeds that their Patwin ancestors committed to memory for when they needed water.

From Los Angeles Times