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

Some of the images we saw from the unit clearly show deep indentations or tightly-fastened cable-ties on the wrists and arms and ankles.

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

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

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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.

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

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