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

Reducing the industry’s carbon footprint is what is taking more of the companies’ headspace. —Austin Corona, The Arizona Republic, 4 Nov. 2024

What did getting into the headspace of Eboni look like? —Brande Victorian, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Oct. 2024

There was a lot of fallout within us after that, and Mike was in this headspace of just not being able to hear anyone. —Josh Chesler, SPIN, 9 Oct. 2024

Fill the jar with your prepared food, leaving about half an inch of headspace at the top. —Lindsey Desoto, Rd, Health, 29 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined at sense 1