backspace

noun

(computing) A keyboard key used for removing a character behind the cursor, and moving the cursor one position backwards.

The key on a typewriter that moves the head one position backwards.

(computing) A non-printable text character representing a backspace.

verb

(computing) To remove a character behind a cursor.

(computing) To move a magnetic tape to a previous block.

Roots

baecback- · Old English · back, backward spatiumspace- · Latin · space, interval

Synonyms & related words for backspace

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of backspace. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to backspace

Explore words related to backspace — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include keybinding, keystroke, hotkey, cursor, keyboarding, keypad, retype, backslash. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Where does backspace come from?

The word backspace breaks down into 2 roots of Old English and Latin origin: back, from Old English baec (“back, backward”); and space, from Latin spatium (“space, interval”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.