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 two clean 1/2-pint jars or other containers, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace in each. —Faye Levy, Oc Register, 9 Sep. 2025

What was the process of going back and putting yourself into that headspace of these heavier moments? —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 9 Sep. 2025

If this preamble put the audience in a headspace to reflect on the mortality of this legendary performer, The Christophers kept them there. —Joe Reid, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2025

To maintain this headspace on set, Hardwicke almost went a little method. —Alex Ritman, Variety, 4 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