attention

noun

at·​ten·​tion ə-ˈten(t)-shən How to pronounce attention (audio)
 sense 4 often  (ə-)ˌten(ch)-ˈhət
1
a
: the act or state of applying the mind to something
Our attention was on the game.
You should pay attention to what she says.
b
: a condition of readiness for such attention involving especially a selective narrowing or focusing of consciousness and receptivity
Students, do I have your attention?
2
: observation, notice
especially : consideration with a view to action
a problem requiring prompt attention
3
a
: an act of civility or courtesy especially in courtship
She welcomed his attentions.
b
: sympathetic consideration of the needs and wants of others : attentiveness
She lavished attention on her children.
4
: a position assumed by a soldier with heels together, body erect, arms at the sides, and eyes to the front
(US) The troops stood at attention. = (British) The troops stood to attention.
often used as a command
attentional adjective

Examples of attention in a Sentence

We focused our attention on this particular poem. My attention wasn't really on the game. You need to pay more attention in school. She likes all the attention she is getting from the media. The actor avoids drawing attention to himself. The book has received national attention. The trial is getting a lot of public attention. The children were competing for the teacher's attention. A cat on a leash is sure to attract attention. I would like to call your attention to a problem we are having.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Other issues such as the Iran strike commanded far more attention. Karlyn Bowman, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025 Oftentimes, third parties have acted as vote siphons that threaten either Republican or Democratic candidates' ability to reach a majority, or have mobilized attention over voter issues. Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 8 July 2025 In my most recent reading, my attention was drawn to Mrs. Fisher’s story unfolding in the background. Claire Jarvis, New Yorker, 8 July 2025 In the second half of his life, Levine turned his attention to philanthropy, channeling his resources into the same communities that once supported his stores. Lila Hempel-Edgers july 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for attention

Word History

Etymology

Middle English attencioun, from Latin attention-, attentio, from attendere — see attend

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of attention was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Attention.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/attention. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

attention

noun
at·​ten·​tion ə-ˈten-chən How to pronounce attention (audio)
1
: the act or power of fixing one's mind upon something : careful listening or watching
pay attention
2
a
: a state of being aware : awareness, notice
attract attention
b
: consideration with the idea of taking action
a problem that needs prompt attention
3
: an act of kindness, care, or courtesy
4
: a posture taken by a soldier with the body stiff and straight, heels together, and arms at the sides

Medical Definition

attention

noun
at·​ten·​tion ə-ˈten-chən How to pronounce attention (audio)
1
: the act or state of attending : the application of the mind to any object of sense or thought
2
a
: an organismic condition of selective awareness or perceptual receptivity
specifically : the complex of neuromuscular adjustments that permit maximum excitability or responsiveness to a given class of stimuli
b
: the process of focusing consciousness to produce greater vividness and clarity of certain of its contents relative to others
attentional adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on attention

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