spacer

noun

spac·​er ˈspā-sər 

plural spacers

: a device or piece used to create or maintain a desired amount of space (as between two parts)

As long as your joints look even, it's more important that you avoid a large grout line at the last tile than worry about sticking to the exact measurement of the spacer.

—Jennifer Stimpson

Stiff spacers of low-expansion materials … may be used to provide a fixed spacing between the end mirrors.

—Arthur L. Schawlow

Use wood shims or spacers where necessary to compensate for wavy ceilings and to make certain the bottom surfaces of all strips are flush.

—Bernard Gladstone

Examples of spacer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Much more than just a one-dimensional floor spacer, Johnson will be another essential hub in a system built on trust (especially that of Jokic, who has the highest respect for the smartest players), movement, and unselfishness. —Joel Rush, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025

The brand achieves that light, delicate, and drapey feeling by using spacer fabric, which is made up of multiple layers of fibers, giving the AirEssentials collection its unique 3D-like airiness and unmatched breathability. —Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 28 Aug. 2025

Olynyk is an excellent spacer besides Wembanyama — and insurance in case of a Wemby injury. —David Aldridge, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025

One 2024 study of the short-term effects of toe spacers on balance and ankle movement in healthy people found no impact. —Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 20 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for spacer

• acer
• baser
• chaser
• pacer
• racer
• tracer
• eraser
• replacer
• radiotracer

Medical Definition

spacer

noun

spac·​er ˈspā-sər 

: a region of chromosomal DNA between genes that is not transcribed into messenger RNA and is of uncertain function