space out

verb

spaced out; spacing out; spaces out

intransitive verb

informal : to become inattentive, distracted, or mentally remote
spaced out halfway through the lecture

Word History

First Known Use

1970, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of space out was in 1970

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Space out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/space%20out. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

space out

verb
informal
: to become inattentive or distracted
spaced out halfway through the lecture
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