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

Throughout the previous night’s dinner service, Marcus was in a bad headspace spurred on by his estranged father’s solo visit to the Bear. — Jake Kring-Schreifels, Time, 26 June 2026

Leave headspace Milk will expand when frozen and, if there isn't enough headspace, may cause the container to split. — Patricia S York, Southern Living, 22 June 2026

Now 42, Rachmany seems to be reflecting on his life a little bit more these days, and the song is further evidence of his current headspace. — Kyle Eustice, SPIN, 10 June 2026

Within six months, decision-making speed increased drastically, and the CEO regained the headspace for long-term strategy. — Gamze Acar Bayraktaroglu, Forbes.com, 1 June 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