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.

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indelible British  

/ ɪnˈdɛlɪbəl /

adjective

1. incapable of being erased or obliterated

2. making indelible marks

   indelible ink

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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

Explanation

If something is indelible, you better hope you never regret it, like the indelible tattoo of the name of your favorite band or the indelible first impression it might give people you meet years from now, especially if your taste in music changes. The adjective indelible describes something that can't be erased or removed, like marks made by an indelible marker, or an indelible moment you will never forget, like your first day of kindergarten or the first time you visit a new, exotic place. It comes from the Latin word indelebilis, meaning "not able to be destroyed."

Example Sentences

Here’s a look at five artists whose works have left an indelible mark on Coachella over the years.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

What makes the character indelible is the ghoulish heavy makeup, a bright red wig with tiny bangs, and oversized tinted sunglasses -- a cartoonish look that has gone viral.

From Barron's • Mar. 15, 2026

But for those of us with slightly earthier tastes, she remains the indelible Barbara Kean of the bygone, Batman-adjacent “Gotham.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 10, 2026

Salieri may be a mediocrity, destined to be a footnote in the short yet indelible life of Mozart.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2026

Beneath that wholesome scent was the indelible stench of mildew, urine, and unwashed bodies.

From "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo

Related Words

• enduring
• lasting
• memorable
• stirring
• unforgettable