Speakur

Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

backspace

/ˈbækˌspeɪs/

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.18 in modern English

Syllables
backspace
IPA
/ˈbækˌspeɪs/
21
Scrabble Score
9
Letters
1
Syllables
7
Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

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

noun

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

noun

A non-printable text character representing a backspace.

verb

To remove a character behind a cursor.

verb

To move a magnetic tape to a previous block.

Example Sentences

  • "So once you hit 'E', just backspace."

Etymology

From back + space.

Inflected Forms

backspaces (plural) backspaces (present, singular) backspacing (participle, present) backspaced (participle, past) backspaced (past)

Derived Forms

backspaceable backspacer

Phrases

destructive backspace

Frequently Paired Words

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Synonyms

mul:\b backspace key backspacer

Questions

How do you pronounce backspace?
The recorded pronunciation is /ˈbækˌspeɪs/.
What does backspace mean?
The key on a typewriter that moves the head one position backwards.
Where does backspace come from?
From back + space.

How to pronounce backspace

  1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “backspace”.
  2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ˈbækˌspeɪs/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
  3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “backspace”.
  4. Repeat and practice — Say “backspace” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.