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

Who better than Kacey Musgraves to bring Finneas into the Nashville headspace? —Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 7 Apr. 2025

On that same topic, among NASCAR drivers, does everyone generally try to find a balance between analysis and clearing the headspace? —Jeff Gluck, The Athletic, 22 Mar. 2025

Where is her headspace right now with these men who represent different parts of her past? —Max Gao, Variety, 19 Mar. 2025

Put boundaries around your time to protect your business and headspace. —Jodie Cook, Forbes, 11 Mar. 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