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

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 • Jul. 30, 2022

"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

“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

“Presumably, you could just hit the backspace button on the file, put in a new file name, and it would let you download that.”

From Salon • Nov. 6, 2018

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