What does indentation mean?
An indentation is a space at the beginning of a line, usually used to mark a new paragraph, distinguish a quotation, or show the structure of a list. In printed books and digital documents, indentation helps readers recognize relationships between ideas and improves visual clarity; the size of the space may be measured in typographic units, tab stops, or levels. The word can also describe a physical recess or mark cut into a surface, as when a tool leaves an indentation in metal or wood. Although commonly associated with formal typography and document design, indentation is part of ordinary writing and editing, and precise control over it is especially important in code, academic papers, bibliographies, and structured online content. The related verb indent means to move text inward, to set a passage apart, or to make a recess.
nounA space or series of spaces left at the beginning of a line, especially in printed or digital text, to indicate a new paragraph or hierarchy. It can also refer more generally to the act of indenting text or an area that has been cut or marked into a surface.
- A space left at the beginning of a line of text, especially to mark a paragraph or set text apart from surrounding text.
- The act of indenting text, or the state of being indented.
- A cut, recess, or indentation in the surface of an object.
"The first line of each paragraph has a small indentation, making the text easier to read."
"Increase the indentation so that the quotation appears clearly below the main paragraph."
"The marks on the metal form a small indentation along its edge."
The plural is uncommon in writing and digital layout, where the singular is normally used for the general practice or feature; it is more natural when referring to several separate recesses or marked spaces.
"The tool made several small indentations in the surface of the clay."
Indentation is the invisible architecture of a page: a small shift that turns a wall of text into readable paragraphs.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does indentation come from?
Indentation was formed in the early 19th century from the verb indent, meaning to set inward or to form a dent in a surface. The verb comes from Latin indentare, from in- “into” and dentare “to dent,” and ultimately from the Latin root dent-, meaning “tooth” or “toothed.” The development of the noun initially referred to a physical indentation or hollow, before it came to be applied to the indentation of printed text.
Related word forms
How indentation is actually used
In writing and formatting, the term is most common in reference to the blank space at the start of a paragraph or list item. In physical contexts, it describes a recess or impressed mark. British and American usage are broadly similar.
Easily confused with indentation
An indentation is a space or cut at the beginning of a line or along a surface, whereas an intention is a purpose or plan.