indent

Everyday

1. To indent means to start a line of writing a little way in from the margin, as at the start of a new paragraph. tree →
2. An indent (or indentation) is that space at the start of a line. tree →
3. An indent can also be a small dent or notch in something. tree →
4. (UK, business) An indent is an official order for goods. tree →

In the lessons

In English lessons, indenting shows the start of a new paragraph in handwriting. In computing and coding, indenting lines with spaces or tabs shows how code is grouped; in Python indentation is part of the rules. In design, an indented coastline has many bays and inlets.

Examples

• Indent the first line of each new paragraph. tree →
• The teacher reminded us to indent our paragraphs. tree →
• In Python, you must indent the code inside a loop. tree →
• Press Tab to make an indent. tree →
• The coastline of Norway is deeply indented with fjords. tree →
• There was an indent in the car door where the trolley hit it. tree →

Note

Noun stress: IN-dent; verb stress: in-DENT. The longer noun «indentation» is also common. Do not confuse with «dent», a hollow made by a hit.