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.
Leave ½ inch of headspace, then seal and freeze promptly. Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 14 May 2026 The moon’s clash with Venus puts you in a moody headspace that lasts until nightfall. Usa Today, USA Today, 12 May 2026 For water-bath canning, ladle the hot jam into the hot jars, leaving ¼-inch headspace. Kelly Brant, Arkansas Online, 12 May 2026 To get into Hannah’s headspace, Bright built a playlist almost immediately after landing the role. Kennedy French, Variety, 12 May 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Headspace.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/headspace. Accessed 16 May. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster