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

Transfer to four clean 1/2-pint jars or other containers, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace in each. —Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 29 Sep. 2025

Heading into the season, Shough's had a humble headspace. —Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2025

Despite being benched after just three starts, Wilson spoke to the media on Wednesday, delivering a strong message about his current headspace following his benching. —Csullivan, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025

What was your headspace at that point? —Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2025

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