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

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

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“Her trailblazing impact on television and her dedication to storytelling across stage and screen have left an indelible mark on popular culture. We are honored to celebrate her extraordinary contributions to entertainment.”

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Makowsky says they “probably never had a wild night out in New York, but it was an indelible proposition and I couldn’t resist.”

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But having already put an indelible mark on this series and with the World Cup in Australia coming next year, Walsh may be on the verge of being a global superstar.

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Related Words

• enduring 
• lasting 
• memorable 
• stirring 
• unforgettable