What does "indenture" mean?
A contract which binds a person to work for another, under specified conditions, for a specified time (often as an apprentice).
Indenture
/ɪnˈdɛn.ʃɝ/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A contract which binds a person to work for another, under specified conditions, for a specified time (often as an apprentice).
- Grammar: indenture is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: adjustment bond, agreement, alveolation, alveolus.
- Useful contrasts: discharge, dissolution, emancipation.
- Usage evidence: And so the schoolmistress reconciled the recommendation to her conscience, and the indentures were cancelled, and the apprentice was free.
How to use "indenture"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "indenture" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "indenture" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "indenture" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "indenture" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "indenture" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "adjustment bond" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A contract which binds a person to work for another, under specified conditions, for a specified time (often as an apprentice).
"And so the schoolmistress reconciled the recommendation to her conscience, and the indentures were cancelled, and the apprentice was free."
- 2 the space left between the margin and the start of an indented line wordnet
- 3 A contract relating to lending (typically for issuing a bond), a real estate transaction, or a bankruptcy that imposes additional conditions on one or both parties.
- 4 a contract binding one party into the service of another for a specified term wordnet
- 5 A document, written as duplicates separated by indentations, specifying either of the above contracts. in-plural, often
"Walking the street very hungry, and not knowing what to do with himself, a crimp's bill was put into his hand, offering immediate entertainment and encouragement to such as would bind themselves to serve in America. He went directly, sign'd the indentures, was put into the ship, and came over, never writing a line to acquaint his friends what was become of him."
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 formal agreement between the issuer of bonds and the bondholders as to terms of the debt wordnet
- 7 An indentation; a recess.
"The narrow windows, flanked by deep indentures into the walls, seemed formed rather to exclude than to admit the cheerful light; and the heavy and gloomy appearance of the thunder-sky added still farther to the obscurity."
- 8 a concave cut into a surface or edge (as in a coastline) wordnet
Verb
- 1 To bind a person under such a contract.
- 2 bind by or as if by indentures, as of an apprentice or servant wordnet
- 3 To indent; to make hollows, notches, or wrinkles in; to furrow.
"Though age may creep on, and indenture the brow."
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"And so the schoolmistress reconciled the recommendation to her conscience, and the indentures were cancelled, and the apprentice was free."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "indenture"?
Common synonyms include: adjustment bond, agreement, alveolation, alveolus, annuity bond, appreciation bond.
How do you use "indenture" in a sentence?
And so the schoolmistress reconciled the recommendation to her conscience, and the indentures were cancelled, and the apprentice was free.
How do you pronounce "indenture"?
Pronounced /ɪnˈdɛn.ʃɝ/.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman endenture, from Old French endenteure, from endenter (“to dent”). The name of the contract derives from the irregular dent-shaped cut (indentation) used to prove the authenticity of the two parts, similar to a chirograph.