space bar

American  

noun

1. a horizontal bar on a typewriter keyboard that is depressed in order to resume typing one space to the right.

2. a horizontal bar on a computer keyboard that is depressed in order to move the cursor one space to the right or, often, to perform some function in a program.

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space-bar British  

noun

1. a horizontal bar on a typewriter that is depressed in order to leave a space between words, letters, etc

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Etymology

Origin of space bar

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

The newest AI button will be marked by the ribbon-like Copilot logo and be located near the space bar.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 4, 2024

In another, they offered longer access to social media the faster subjects could tap a space bar.

From Science Magazine • Nov. 7, 2023

My hand hovered over the space bar as I hit play and pause over and over again to document every frame.

From Washington Post • May 20, 2022

Typing has a wonderfully crisp and clean feel to it, accentuated by the lack of rattle coming from the space bar.

From The Verge • Sep. 9, 2021

The rows of letters on the computer keyboard had looked like a toy to him, and he’d reached one finger up and tapped the space bar, over and over again.

From "Among the Hidden" by Margaret Peterson Haddix