# indentured

/ˌɪnˈdɛntʃɝd/ (US) · /ˌɪndˈɛntʃəd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/indentured
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

to sign a legal contract that forces you to work for someone for a set period of time. This was common in the past for people who needed money or were sent to a new country.

For teachers: to enter into a contract of service, typically for a fixed term, in exchange for the payment of a debt or as a condition of immigration. Transitive — requires a direct object.

## Examples

- Many workers were indentured to pay off their travel costs.
- The company would indenture young apprentices to ensure they received years of specialized training before leaving.
- Historical records show that thousands of laborers were indentured to colonial plantations, effectively binding them to a life of servitude until their debt was fully discharged.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.