headroom

American  

[hed-room, -room] / ˈhɛdˌrum, -ˌrʊm /

Or head room

noun

1. Nautical. the clear space between two decks.

2. Also called headway. 

   1. clear vertical space, as between the head and sill of a doorway, the ceiling and floor of a room, or the ceiling of a vehicular passageway and a vehicle roof, as to allow passage or comfortable occupancy.

      over 7.5 feet of headroom in the attic;

      a covered bridge with limited headroom.

   2. clear vertical space above one’s head, as in a vehicle or room.

      plenty of headroom for passengers.

3. Audio. dynamic headroom.

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headroom British  

/ -ˌruːm, ˈhɛdˌrʊm /

noun

1. the height of a bridge, room, etc; clearance

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Etymology

Origin of headroom

First recorded in 1850–55; head + room

Example Sentences

The NAO says that the uncertain nature of service charge increases "poses the greatest risk to households whose initial affordability assessments leave them with limited financial headroom".

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

Verizon’s dividend yield of 5.54% is the highest on the list, with a FCF yield estimate implying headroom of 4.31%.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 7, 2026

A spokesperson for the Co-op said the group had a solid financial position with reduced debt levels compared to five years ago and cash reserves providing "significant financial headroom".

From BBC • Feb. 10, 2026

It also gives it headroom to make a final investment decision and start early construction work.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 3, 2026

Each man had about six inches of headroom, not even enough to sit up.

From "Copper Sun" by Sharon M. Draper

Related Words

• area
• arena
• capacity
• distance
• field
• location
• slot
• spot
• territory
• zone