a horizontal bar on a typewriter keyboard that is depressed in order to resume typing one space to the right.
a horizontal bar on a computer keyboard that is depressed in order to move the cursor one space to the right or, often, to perform some function in a program.
First recorded in 1885–90
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In another, they offered longer access to social media the faster subjects could tap a space bar.
From Science Magazine • Nov. 7, 2023
Look at that tiny period key lurking, just waiting for your right thumb to brush it on your way to the space bar.
From Slate • Jun. 20, 2023
Instead of trying to cram a small dining table into the space, bar stools can be used as a counter instead.
From Seattle Times • Apr. 11, 2023
My hand hovered over the space bar as I hit play and pause over and over again to document every frame.
From Washington Post • May 20, 2022
He was over there in a blink, setting his notebook down, tapping the space bar on the keyboard to wake the monitor up.
From "As Brave As You" by Jason Reynolds
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
