crawlspace

American  

[krawl-speys] / ˈkrɔlˌspeɪs /

Or crawl space

noun

1. (in a building) an area accessible by crawling, having a clearance less than human height, for access to plumbing or wiring, storage, etc.

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Etymology

Origin of crawlspace

First recorded in 1950–55; crawl ¹ + space

Example Sentences

In her husband’s absence, she awakens her daughter and 5-year-old son and hurries them through a secret door to a crawlspace behind the chimney.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 25, 2024

The woman’s daughter, unnamed by officials, had called for help after being unable to find her mother in the crawlspace under the house.

From Washington Times • Nov. 28, 2023

The discovery came as he was on his hands and knees rummaging through a crawlspace in his father-in-law's home in the Pico-Union neighbourhood of LA.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2023

Temperatures in the crawlspace where I worked never fluctuated — they remained a constant 40 degrees below zero.

From Salon • May 29, 2023

There’s a crawlspace in me that no one can get to, no matter what.

From "I'll Give You the Sun" by Jandy Nelson