plural spaces
1
a
: the amount of an area, room, surface, etc., that is empty or available for use
There's still some space for a bookshelf.
the space behind/above/near the couch
Is there space in the cabinet for these dishes?
There's not much empty/clear space.
He moved the books to create more space on his desk.
Those old boxes take up a lot of space.
There should be plenty of space [=room] on the disk to save the files.
b
: an area that is used or available for a specific purpose
a parking space
She needs a space [=place] where she can do her homework.
floor space
storage space
The magazine devotes a lot of space to advertising.
2
a
: an empty area between things
She has a space between her front teeth.
There isn't much space between our houses.
Is there enough space [=room] for me to park there?
b
: an area of land with no buildings on it
the wide open spaces of the western U.S.
They live in an area where there's a lot of open space.
3
: the region beyond the Earth's atmosphere in which there are stars and planets : outer space
sent the satellite into space
—often used before another nounspace exploration/travel
the space program [=the program devoted to exploring space]
4
: the limitless area in which all things exist and move
the movement of sound waves through space
exploring the relationship between time and space
5
: a period of time
—usually singular
a short space of time [=a short time]
They finished in/within the space of an hour. [=within an hour]
6
a
: a blank area separating written or printed words or lines
There should be a space after the comma.
Let's leave more space between the paragraphs.
b
: a blank part or section on a document where something can be written
There's a space for your name and address.
There is space at the bottom for your name and address.
7
a
: the freedom and time to behave and think as you want to without being controlled or influenced by someone else
I need more space in our relationship.
b
: personal space
You're invading my space. [=you're too close to me]
8
: an available seat on a bus, train, etc.
There are no spaces left on the bus.
spaces; spaced; spacing
1
: to place or arrange (things) so that there is a particular amount of space between them
widely/closely spaced posts
Space the seedlings about six inches apart.
—often + outTry to space out the poles evenly.
2
: to separate (things) by particular periods of time
He spaces his albums so that he puts one out every two to three years.
They spaced the births of their three children two years apart.
—often + outThey spaced out the births of their three children.
Cite this Entry
“Space.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/space. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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