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indent

indent

8.4
A written order to buy or bring in goods
  • noun
  • /ˈɪnˌdɛnt/
  • Archaic
translation icon : pedido
  • The company placed an indent for new machinery with the overseas supplier.

Examples

  • The indent was clearly marked on the shipping documents.

  • Can you provide an indent for the new shipment?

  • All indents must be approved by the purchasing manager before goods are imported.

  • Due to shipping delays, the indent for textiles arrived later than expected.

  • The company submitted an indent to import new machinery for the factory.

  • Before shipping the supplies, we need to finalize the indent for customs approval.

  • She has filled out an indent for the new computer equipment required in the office.

Synonyms

order form
vsindent
6 2.0

A printed or online page you fill to ask for goods and services

is reserved for official export or import orders typically in written form

Surface Forms

indent singular
indents plural

Morphology

indent = indenture (opaque) = in + dent

The commercial/legal sense 'an order for goods' comes via the specialized noun 'indenture' and is not predictable from the morphemes in modern English.

Etymology

Indent for a purchase order comes from the same practice of formal written papers, often called indentures, which had matching notches to show they were real. That's why an indent is a formal written order for goods.