headspace

noun

head·​space ˈhed-ˌspās 

1

: the volume above a liquid or solid in a closed container

The demonstrator suggests that the slow leakage of hydrogen from the balloons … allowed for the accumulation of hydrogen and oxygen in the bag's headspace.

—Chemical and Engineering News

To process sauce, immediately ladle hot sauce into hot, clean half-pint canning jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace.

—Better Homes and Gardens

2

: vertical space in which to stand, sit, or move : headroom

The sleeping area [of a tiny house] looks restful and thanks to the curved roof, probably has more headspace than most …

—Kimberly Mok

3

informal : mind-set, frame of mind

"It's difficult to tell how people have changed," says Radiohead guitarist Ed O'Brien. "But Thom's been in a better headspace for quite a few years."

—Brian Raftery

Examples of headspace in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The former first lady, 75, appeared on the Jaime Kern Lima Show and reflected on her headspace amid the former president’s journey with prostate cancer, which has since spread to his bones. — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 20 Aug. 2026

McConaughey appreciates how a playlist or mixtape can subtly put an actor into the right headspace for a character. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Aug. 2026

With the support of Fernandez, Ellis found a sports psychologist who provided her with ways to maintain a calm headspace and positive outlook, even through a UCL injury in her thumb that arose just four games into this year’s campaign. — Molly Keshin, New York Times, 25 July 2026

Throughout the previous night’s dinner service, Marcus was in a bad headspace spurred on by his estranged father’s solo visit to the Bear. — Jake Kring-Schreifels, Time, 26 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for headspace

• abase
• airspace
• apace
• backspace
• biface
• birthplace
• blackface
• boldface
• bookcase
• braincase
• briefcase
• carcase