indelible

adjective

in·​del·​i·​ble in-ˈde-lə-bəl How to pronounce indelible (audio)
Synonyms of indeliblenext
1
a
: that cannot be removed, washed away, or erased
b
: making marks that cannot easily be removed
an indelible pencil
2
a
: lasting
indelible memories
b
: unforgettable, memorable
an indelible performance
indelibility noun
indelibly adverb

Examples of indelible in a Sentence

But the most indelible evening of the rebellion for me was the night I had first got beaten. Amiri Baraka, The Autobiography of Leroi Jones, 1984
All wars change society and hence leave an indelible imprint on literary culture. Michiko Kakutani, New York Times Book Review, 15 Apr. 1984
The illustrator of children's books surpasses other artists in the impressionability of his audience; it is beyond calculation, no doubt, what touches will produce an indelible effect, when the receiving surface of a child's psyche is so soft and mysteriously laden and momentous with its own raw energy. John Updike, New York Times Book Review, 4 Dec. 1983
winning the state basketball championship was our team's most indelible experience
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The 63-year-old auteur, winner of the Cannes Palme d’Or in 2018 for Shoplifters, has made his indelible imprint on world cinema with delicate family drama, suffused with wry humor and wrenching humanism, far more so than futurism. Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026 From his groundbreaking music to his electrifying stage presence, Billy has left an indelible mark on popular culture and the music industry. Jack Irvin, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026 The acting we’re drawn to, that feels indelible, is a relinquishing of control from a safe place. Rachel Handler, Vulture, 14 May 2026 Zesty juniper-forward versions soar in a classic Negroni, floral gins impress in a rosy gin-kombucha cocktail, and unctuous savory gin is indelible in a 50/50 martini. Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for indelible

Word History

Etymology

Middle English indelyble, from Medieval Latin indelibilis, alteration of Latin indelebilis, from in- + delēre to delete

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of indelible was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Indelible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indelible. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

indelible

adjective
in·​del·​i·​ble in-ˈdel-ə-bəl How to pronounce indelible (audio)
1
: impossible to erase, remove, or blot out
an indelible impression
2
: making or leaving marks not easily erased
an indelible pencil
indelible ink
indelibly adverb

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