often attributive
1
2
: the region beyond the earth's atmosphere or beyond the solar system
3
a
: a boundless three-dimensional extent in which objects and events occur and have relative position and direction
infinite space and time
b
: physical space independent of what occupies it
called also absolute space
4
: a period of time
also
: its duration
5
a
: a blank area separating words or lines
b
: material used to produce such blank area
especially
: a piece of type less than one en in width
6
a
: the opportunity to assert or experience one's identity or needs freely
b
: an opportunity for privacy or time to oneself
7
: accommodations on a public vehicle
8
: one of the degrees between or above or below the lines of a musical staff compare line sense 7c
9
: a set of mathematical elements and especially of abstractions of all the points on a line, in a plane, or in physical space
especially
: a set of mathematical entities with a set of axioms of geometric character compare metric space, topological space, vector space
10
a
: linage
b
: broadcast time available especially to advertisers
spaced; spacing
: to place at intervals or arrange with space between
Evenly space 16 tablespoons of shredded cheese on the baking sheet …—The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
—often used with outSpace out the work you plan to do … Don't try to crowd too much into each day.—Darlene Polachic
1
: to leave one or more blank spaces (as in a line of typing)
2
informal
: to fail to remember something : forget
… I totally forgot to write last week. I had planned to do it, I had it all figured out, and I spaced.—Steve "Nookie" Postal
—often used with on
If your mom doesn't live close by, or if you totally spaced on getting her a Mother's Day gift this year, then flowers or chocolates are a great, last-minute gift idea that are sure to brighten her day.—Leah Stodart
see also space out
Cite this Entry
“Space.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/space. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.
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