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

Music evokes memories, emotions, and associations that can send you tumbling into an entirely different time and headspace. —Adam Husler, Outside Online, 29 Jan. 2025

Separate into freezer containers using amounts that will be used in recipes, leaving headspace (or put three tablespoons each of whole egg mixture into ice cube tray slots, then transfer to moisture-vapor-proof containers once frozen and immediately put back in the freezer. —Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 10 Dec. 2024

Pre-post check-ins on your headspace and reasons for sharing images are also helpful. —Essence, 5 Nov. 2024

Thatcher admits that playing Natalie in Season 3, which debuts on Feb. 14, put her in a dark headspace that’s difficult to dig out of. —William Earl, Variety, 31 Jan. 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