# headroom

/ˈhɛˌdɹum/ (US) · /hˈɛdɹuːm/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/headroom
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

the space above your head when you sit or stand inside a car or room. People also use it for extra room before you hit a limit.

For teachers: vertical clearance between the head and a ceiling or roof, especially in a vehicle or interior space. Extended figuratively to any safety margin before reaching a physical or operational limit.

## Examples

- This car has plenty of headroom for tall drivers.
- The agent warns that the attic bedroom offers little headroom near the sloping eaves.
- Despite its compact exterior, the new hatchback provides generous headroom that lets six-foot passengers sit upright on long journeys.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.