backspace

American  

[bak-speys] / ˈbækˌspeɪs /

verb (used without object)

backspaced, backspacing

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.

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noun

1. the space made by backspacing.

2. Also called backspacer,.  Also called backspace key.  the labeled key on a typewriter or computer keyboard used for backspacing.

backspace British  

/ ˈbækˌspeɪs /

verb

1. to move a (typewriter carriage) backwards

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noun

1. a typewriter key that effects such a movement

Etymology

Origin of backspace

back ² + space

Example Sentences

"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 • Jun. 28, 2022

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

From The Verge • Apr. 15, 2022

“It’s funny. … It’s almost like she’s always been in the backspace for me as a reader,” the Los Angeles-bred writer said.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 24, 2021

“While attempting to reply to her text, I noticed several random letters already in the reply box, and tried to backspace them out,” wrote J.S.

From Washington Post • Jun. 27, 2021

And some of us today recoil every time we touch the backspace key.

From "Cheaper by the Dozen" by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey