backspace

[ bak-speys ]

verb (used without object)

, back·spaced, back·spac·ing.

1. to shift the carriage or typing element of a typewriter one space backward by depressing a special key.
2. Computers. to move the cursor, printhead, etc., toward the beginning of the data.

noun

1. the space made by backspacing.
2. Also called backspacer,. the labeled key on a typewriter or computer keyboard used for backspacing.

backspace

/ ˈbækˌspeɪs /

verb

1. to move a (typewriter carriage) backwards

noun

1. a typewriter key that effects such a movement

Word History and Origins

Origin of backspace¹

back ² + space

Example Sentences

There are a couple finicky layout things that will bother some people: the arrow keys are half-height, and the power button is squeezed in next to the backspace key.

From The Verge

"It's difficult to see over text, and in person you can see the bigger picture. It can be so easy to type your feelings and then just hit backspace."

From BBC

My only nitpick is that the backspace key is on the small side and very close to the Num Lock key.

From The Verge

Competitors cannot, for example, just type new letters but instead have to use a “backspace” command that deletes several letters in the original string.

From The Verge

The keyboard is also snappy, though it is a bit loud and the backspace key squeaked on my model.

From The Verge