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

Tell me about getting into the headspace of your character. —Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 15 May 2025

That put me in a great headspace as a producer as well. —Kyle Denis, Billboard, 9 May 2025

Brennan Elliott will be getting in the holiday headspace following the heartbreaking death of his beloved wife, Camilla Row, in March. —Breanne L. Heldman, People.com, 9 May 2025

So what kind of headspace did that put you in going to Tribal Council? —Dalton Ross, EW.com, 15 May 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