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.
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
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
Long press on the space bar to change language settings.
From The Verge ● Oct. 1, 2021
I hit the space bar again and again and again.
From "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" by Jonathan Safran Foer
Do not count that as one, in leaving the three spaces suggested, but touch your space-bar three times.
From Writing the Photoplay by Esenwein, J. Berg (Joseph Berg)
Mostly there was a sheet in his type-mill, but his fingers only fluttered the space-bar.
From She Buildeth Her House by Comfort, William Wistar
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.
