headspace

American  

[hed-speys] / ˈhɛdˌspeɪs /

Or head space

noun

1. Informal. mental state; state of mind: He creates such profoundly rich creative universes, it truly feels like you enter a completely different headspace when you watch his shows.

   Doomscrolling all day puts me in a really bad headspace, so I try to stay away from all that negative news.

   He creates such profoundly rich creative universes, it truly feels like you enter a completely different headspace when you watch his shows.

2. Informal. quiet, private, or contemplative mood or frame of mind: I never listen to music when I’m jogging, since I run for headspace as much as for exercise.

   I spend a lot of the weekend in my own headspace, so I can’t really engage with anything much.

   I never listen to music when I’m jogging, since I run for headspace as much as for exercise.

3. headroom.

4. empty space left above the contents of a closed jar, can, or other container.

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Etymology

Origin of headspace

First recorded in 1800–10; head ( def. ) + space ( def. )

Example Sentences

While filming, Miss Nenna imagines that she is speaking directly to her almost-4-year-old son or 1-year-old daughter in order to make sure she’s in the right headspace.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

So I’m not saying it will be easy, but I do think it will save you money and help you start this new chapter in a clearer headspace.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 23, 2026

This air, or "headspace," was then sampled and analyzed for ethanol content.

From Science Daily • Dec. 1, 2025

Where would be the headspace to consider your own golf swing and putting stroke?

From BBC • Aug. 27, 2025

But on the other, she must be in a really good headspace if she’s willing to take it.

From "On the Come Up" by Angie Thomas