space-age: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1informal
Quick answer
What does “space-age” mean?
characteristic of the advanced technology and futuristic design associated with the period of space exploration that began in the mid-20th century.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
characteristic of the advanced technology and futuristic design associated with the period of space exploration that began in the mid-20th century.
Impressively modern, futuristic, or advanced; often used to describe design, materials, or ideas that seem ahead of their time.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal difference in core meaning or frequency. Slightly more common in design/architectural journalism in the UK, while in the US it may more frequently reference the specific Cold War era.
Connotations
Often nostalgic or slightly ironic, referencing a past vision of the future. Can imply something is stylishly futuristic but possibly dated.
Frequency
Low frequency in both; primarily found in cultural, design, and historical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “space-age” in a Sentence
[Adj + N] The hotel had a space-age elevator.[As Adj] The interior felt incredibly space-age.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “space-age” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The museum's new extension features a rather space-age glass atrium.
- Her kitchen had a space-age coffee machine that seemed to do everything.
American English
- The car's dashboard had a space-age digital display.
- They built the concert hall with a space-age, metallic exterior.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in marketing or product description to denote innovation (e.g., 'space-age manufacturing techniques').
Academic
Used in historical or cultural studies to describe mid-20th century futurism.
Everyday
Used informally to describe something that looks very modern and technological (e.g., a new gadget or appliance).
Technical
Rare; not a precise technical term. May appear in industrial design discourse.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “space-age”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “space-age”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “space-age”
- Using it to describe actual space technology (e.g., 'space-age satellite' is redundant). Using it as a noun (e.g., 'We live in the space-age' is less common; prefer 'space age').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It's uncommon and potentially redundant. 'Space-age' refers to a stylistic or technological ideal inspired by space exploration, not literal space hardware. You would say 'space technology' or 'aerospace technology' instead.
It is generally positive, suggesting advancement and modernity. However, it can be used ironically or nostalgically to describe something that seems naively futuristic or is now dated.
'Space-age' is a subset of 'futuristic' with a specific historical and aesthetic reference to the mid-20th century. Something can be futuristic (e.g., a concept car) without evoking the retro 'space-age' look of the 1960s.
Yes, when used as a compound adjective before a noun (e.g., space-age design). It may sometimes be written without the hyphen when used more loosely, but hyphenation is standard.
characteristic of the advanced technology and futuristic design associated with the period of space exploration that began in the mid-20th century.
Space-age is usually informal in register.
Space-age: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspeɪs ˌeɪdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspeɪs ˌeɪdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Straight out of the space age”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine the 'Age' of 'Space' travel beginning in the 1950s; anything from that era that looked like it belonged on a rocket is 'space-age'.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE FUTURE IS A PLACE (we have arrived at/in the space age); PROGRESS IS FORWARD MOTION.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'space-age' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?