space bar

American  

noun

1. a horizontal bar on a typewriter keyboard that is depressed in order to resume typing one space to the right.

2. 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.

---

space-bar British  

noun

1. a horizontal bar on a typewriter that is depressed in order to leave a space between words, letters, etc

---

Etymology

Origin of space bar

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

The newest AI button will be marked by the ribbon-like Copilot logo and be located near the space bar.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 4, 2024

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

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

She saw her hand float out in front of her and hit the space bar on his laptop, pausing the video.

From "When Dimple Met Rishi" by Sandhya Menon