What does backspace mean?
Backspace is most commonly used for the key or command that deletes the character immediately before a cursor or insertion point. The related verb means to move backward in text and erase what has just been entered, although the word can also be used figuratively for reversing or undoing something in writing. In a technical setting, it is an everyday computing term with little emotional connotation; in editorial discussion, delete is often the more neutral alternative, and rub out is more informal. Historically, the backspace key had a different mechanical function: on typewriters, it moved the carriage one space backward without printing, allowing the typist to correct an alignment error. The modern digital key combines that backward movement with erasure, which is why the name remains apt. Backspace is consequently familiar in everyday computer use, in descriptions of keyboard behavior, and in discussions of editing or revising text.
A keyboard key or editing command that deletes the character immediately before the cursor or insertion point. Historically, the term also referred to a typewriter mechanism that moved the carriage back one space without printing.
"The backspace key is located near the Enter key on most keyboards."
The noun is usually used in computing contexts. The plural form is grammatically possible but uncommon.
To delete or erase the character immediately before the cursor or insertion point. In broader editorial usage, it can mean to move backward in text and undo or remove what has been written.
"He backspaced over the last sentence and began again."
The figurative use is more common in informal or editorial contexts than in formal prose.
The standard plural is grammatically correct but uncommon; the word is usually used in the singular when referring to the key or function.
"Some keyboards have separate backspaces for editing and navigation."
Before it erased characters on a screen, the backspace key on a typewriter simply returned the carriage one space, so its name originally described the movement rather than the deletion.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
How backspace is actually used
Backspace is chiefly a computing term and is normally neutral in tone. In editorial or formal contexts, delete or remove may sound more natural, while rub out is more informal.
Easily confused with backspace
A spacebar inserts a space between characters, whereas a backspace key moves backward and deletes the character immediately before the cursor.