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
It uses screw-in stabilizers to minimize the rattle from larger keys like the space bar, and included silicon pads are designed to reduce any pinging noises while typing.
From The Verge ● Jun. 15, 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
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
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)
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.
