noun / verb

indent

in-DENT/ɪnˈdent/

To set an edge or surface inward from its surroundings.

I indent the first line of each paragraph five spaces.

A clean page shows three short rows of abstract ink strokes, with the second paragraph beginning noticeably inset from the left margin; one small arrow highlights the indent, no readable prose.

Etymology

The tooth root supplied the image of a notched or jagged edge. In printing, setting text inward makes a comparable notch in the margin.

In context

Simon Sez IT2:22

indent the first line but not the rest of the paragraph and that is a technique you often see in novels in books the first line will be indented but the rest will be back at the margin

How to Indent Paragraphs in Microsoft Word 2021/365

More examples

The quotation has a wider indent than the surrounding text.
The clamp indents the soft wood.
She runs her finger over an indent in the clay.

Forms

indent · indents · indented · indenting

indentation noun — A space or mark set inward.

Similar words

dent: Usually means making a hollow through pressure or impact.
recess: Sets a feature back from the surrounding surface.