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

Indulge in the earthly scents of Morocco and refresh your headspace with their Moroccan Hammam, or take an invigorating dip in the cold plunge to stimulate your mind and stimulate circulation in the body. —Náosha Gregg, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025

Does your headspace contribute to feeling out of sorts? —Usa Today, USA Today, 19 July 2025

Most winemakers use silicone bungs on their barrels, which form a good seal on them, but are easy to remove so that barrels can be refilled to the top to mitigate the headspace and oxygen contact. —Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 15 June 2025

Barnes has been there to listen to Vientos voice his feelings, while trying to guide him out of that headspace as well. —Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 7 July 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