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

Our clients are those who are looking to take charge of their health, those who want to lose weight or detox, get fit or get some headspace. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Mar. 2026

Be sure to leave about 1 inch of headspace at the top of the container to allow for that expansion. —Riley Wofford, Martha Stewart, 16 Mar. 2026

Leave about one inch of headspace for expansion. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 11 Mar. 2026

The French Quarter is a place that always induces a fuguelike headspace for me. —Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 8 Mar. 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