headspace

noun

head·​space ˈhed-ˌspās How to pronounce headspace (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The first draft was a little bit cuckoo, hence my headspace. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2025 In-person conversations allow for more back-and-forth and more opportunities for players to explain their own headspace. Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025 The Oscar winner didn’t need much to get back into The Dude’s headspace, though, immediately launching into a drawling address to the world at Kimmel’s request. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 8 Oct. 2025 Place it in an airtight container with a little headspace because the liquids will expand when freezing. Elizabeth Mervosh, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for headspace

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of headspace was in 1895

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Cite this Entry

“Headspace.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/headspace. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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