Backspace: meaning, definitions and examples

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backspace

 

[ ˈbækˌspeɪs ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

keyboard

The key on a computer keyboard that deletes the character to the left of the cursor. The backspace key is commonly used to correct typing errors or to remove unwanted characters.

Synonyms

delete key, erase key.

Examples of usage

  • Press the backspace key to erase the last character typed.
  • I made a mistake, let me hit the backspace key.
Context #2 | Verb

typing

To remove characters to the left of the cursor, typically by pressing the backspace key on a keyboard.

Examples of usage

  • I need to backspace a few letters to correct this word.
  • If you make a mistake, just backspace and correct it.

Translations

Translations of the word "backspace" in other languages:

🇵🇹 retrocesso

🇮🇳 बैकस्पेस

🇩🇪 Rücktaste

🇮🇩 hapus belakang

🇺🇦 зворотний пробіл

🇵🇱 backspace

🇯🇵 バックスペース

🇫🇷 retour arrière

🇪🇸 retroceso

🇹🇷 geri silme

🇰🇷 백스페이스

🇸🇦 مسافة للخلف

🇨🇿 zpětný krok

🇸🇰 spätný krok

🇨🇳 退格键

🇸🇮 brisanje nazaj

🇮🇸 afturábakl

🇰🇿 артқа өшіру

🇬🇪 უკან დაბრუნება

🇦🇿 geriyə silmə

🇲🇽 retroceso

Etymology

The term 'backspace' originated from typewriters, where the key would move the carriage one position backwards, allowing the typist to overwrite or delete the previous character. With the evolution of computers, the backspace key retained its function of deleting characters to the left of the cursor. The backspace key has become a fundamental tool in editing and correcting text in digital writing.

See also: back, backbone, backchat, backdrop, backed, backer, backers, backhander, backing, backline, backmarker, backpack, backroom, backside, backstop, backup, backward, backwards, backyard, unbacked.