# spacing

/ˈspeɪsɪŋ/ (US) · /spˈeɪsɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/spacing
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. distance between objects

noun · CEFR B2

the amount of empty space left between two or more things.

For teachers: the physical distance or interval between objects, people, or points.

- The gardener checked the spacing between the trees to make sure they had room to grow.
- Proper spacing between the structural columns is essential to ensure the weight of the roof is distributed evenly across the foundation.

### 2. typography and layout

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

the gaps between letters, words, or lines of text on a page.

For teachers: the arrangement of typographical elements, specifically the vertical or horizontal intervals between characters and lines.

- Please use double spacing for your essay so I have room to write comments.
- The designer adjusted the character spacing to improve the readability of the headline on the mobile version of the site.

Usage: Often used with modifiers like 'double', 'single', or 'line'.

### 3. the act of creating gaps

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic

the action of putting spaces between things.

For teachers: the deliberate act or process of distributing items at specific intervals.

- The careful spacing of the houses allows every resident to have a private garden.
- Strategic spacing of urban parks can significantly reduce the heat island effect in densely populated metropolitan areas.

## Examples

- The spacing between the lines makes the text easier to read.
- Adjusting the letter spacing can help fit the title onto a single line without changing the font size.
- In graphic design, consistent vertical spacing ensures that the document maintains a professional rhythm and remains legible even when the content is dense.

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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.