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

How Mama Brown’s Betrayal Affected Alamo While speaking to TV Insider, Akinnuoye-Agbaje gave some insight into his character’s headspace that’s informed by what happened with Mama Brown. —Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026

Leave ½ inch of headspace, then seal and freeze promptly. —Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 14 May 2026

The moon’s clash with Venus puts you in a moody headspace that lasts until nightfall. —Usa Today, USA Today, 12 May 2026

For water-bath canning, ladle the hot jam into the hot jars, leaving ¼-inch headspace. —Kelly Brant, Arkansas Online, 12 May 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