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

But the burly, bearded 36-year-old right-hander knows he can’t just hit delete backspace on a brutal 2023 season in which he went 6-9 with a 6.47 ERA, highest among qualified starters, and gave up a major league-high 28 homers in 21 starts for the White Sox.

From Los Angeles Times

A couple of times during testing, the keyboard thought I was holding down a letter key, and I had to furiously smash the Backspace to get it to stop the endless string of letters it was producing.

From The Verge

Look at that little backspace key.

From The Verge

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