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.
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 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 12 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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