indentured
Indentured (adj) means Bound by a legal contract to work for someone for a set period, typically in exchange for passage, training, or debt repayment. Example: “Many early colonists arrived as indentured servants who worked off the cost of their voyage.”
How to use indentured
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLegally bound to work for a fixed term under a contract, historically often under harsh conditions.
Word forms
indentureds plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Many early colonists arrived as _____ servants who worked off the cost of their voyage.
Etymology
From indenture + -ed; an indenture was originally a contract cut with a zigzag ("indented") edge so the two copies could later be matched to prove authenticity.
Rhymes for indentured
Frequently asked questions
What does “indentured” mean?
The word “indentured” means bound by a legal contract to work for someone for a set period, typically in exchange for passage, training, or debt repayment. In plain terms, legally bound to work for a fixed term under a contract, historically often under harsh conditions.
How do you pronounce “indentured”?
“Indentured” is pronounced ihn-DEHN-chuhd (/ɪnˈdɛn.t͡ʃəɹd/ in IPA).
How do you use “indentured” in a sentence?
Here is “indentured” used in a sentence: “Many early colonists arrived as indentured servants who worked off the cost of their voyage.”
What part of speech is “indentured”?
“Indentured” is an adjective.