Space bar

Space bar

The space bar, spacebar, or space key, is a key on an alphanumeric keyboard in the form of a horizontal bar in the lowermost row, significantly wider than other keys. Its main purpose is to conveniently enter the space, e.g., between words during typing. Users typically only use their right thumb to press it. It is large enough so that a thumb from either hand can use it easily.

Depending on the operating system, the space bar used with a modifier key such as the control key may have functions such as resizing or closing the current window, half-spacing, or even backspacing.

In computer games and other applications the key has myriad uses in addition to its normal purpose in typing, such as jumping and adding marks to check boxes.

In certain programs for playback of digital video, the space bar is used for pausing and resuming the playback.

The space bar is the biggest key on the keyboard, and is typically the most used key on the keyboard.


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  • space bar — ˈspace bar noun [countable] COMPUTING the long key at the bottom of a computer keyboard that you press to make a space * * * space bar UK US (also spacebar) noun [C, usually singular] IT ► on a computer keyboard, the long bar below the letter …   Financial and business terms

  • space bar — or space key space key (Mach., Computers) A bar or key, in a typewriter, typesetting machine, or other keyboard (as a computer keyboard), used to insert a space between letters. [Webster 1913 Suppl. +PJC] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • space bar — space ,bar noun count the long narrow bar at the front of a computer keyboard that you press to make a space between words when you are typing …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • space bar — space′ bar n. cmp a horizontal bar on a typewriter or computer keyboard that is pressed to insert a space • Etymology: 1885–90 …   From formal English to slang

  • space bar — n. a bar, as at the bottom of a typewriter keyboard, pressed to leave a blank space or spaces rather than to produce a character …   English World dictionary

  • space bar — n the wide key at the bottom of a computer ↑keyboard or ↑typewriter that you press to make a space …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • space bar — ► NOUN ▪ a long key on a typewriter or computer keyboard for making a space between words …   English terms dictionary

  • space bar — noun the bar shaped typewriter key that introduces spaces when used • Hypernyms: ↑key • Part Holonyms: ↑typewriter keyboard * * * noun 1. : a bar (as on a typewriter) that on each depression causes the carriage to move one space to the left 2. :… …   Useful english dictionary

  • space bar — UK / US noun [countable] Word forms space bar : singular space bar plural space bars computing the long narrow bar at the front of a computer keyboard that you press to make a space between words when you are typing …   English dictionary

  • space bar — n. (on a typewriter) to press a space bar * * * (on a typewriter) to press a space bar …   Combinatory dictionary

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