adj
indentured
ihn-DEHN-chuhd
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.”
adj
1
Bound by a legal contract to work for someone for a set period, typically in exchange for passage, training, or debt repayment.
"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.
Common pairings
indentured servant
indentured labourer
indentured to a master
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Word forms
- Plural
- indentureds
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.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for indentured
uncured
figured
injured
assured
secured
insured
scoured
coloured
captured
favoured
tortured
measured
See all 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.
