# backspace

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈbækˌspeɪs/ · frequency rank #76,555

## Definitions
1. The key on a typewriter that moves the head one position backwards.
2. A keyboard key used for removing a character behind the cursor, and moving the cursor one position backwards.
3. A non-printable text character representing a backspace.

## Etymology
From back + space.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/backspace