attention

noun at·ten·tion \ ə-ˈten(t)-shən ; sense 4 often (ə-)ˌten(ch)-ˈhət \

|Updated on: 3 Aug 2018

Definition of attention

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

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attentional

play \-ˈten(t)-sh(ə-)nəl\ adjective

See attention defined for English-language learners

See attention defined for kids

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 of attention from the Web

Three former UConn players are looking to take advantage of the annual NBA Summer League to showcase their skills and draw some attention.

— staff report, courant.com, "UConn Players Seeking Summer Success In Las Vegas," 8 July 2018
The event was seen on the district’s video recording of the board meeting and set off a controversy that drew national and international attention.

— mike glenn, Houston Chronicle, "Outgoing Katy ISD superintendent Hindt won’t sit with board at meetings for final months," 6 July 2018
But two outside risk factors drew the most attention from the business press and prospective investors.

— samuel axon, Ars Technica, "Sonos files for IPO, positions its products as alternatives to screen addiction," 6 July 2018
The accident appeared to be Thai tourism's biggest disaster in years, and drew sharp attention from the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok.

— vincent thian, chicagotribune.com, "33 Chinese dead, 23 missing after boat sinks off Thai island," 6 July 2018
Wagyumafia originally planned to unveil their $180 Wagyu sandwich on the Bay Area populace, which drew national attention.

— justin phillips, SFChronicle.com, "Japanese mega-project headed to Design District," 3 July 2018
The incident drew national attention among horse lovers, when it was reported the dead mare's stallion stood over the body all night, even after it was covered with a tarp.

— mark price, charlotteobserver, "New threat emerges for NC's famous wild horses, prompting campaign aimed at tourists," 2 July 2018
Artist Erick Antonio Benitez collected the artifacts during trips to the 1,954-mile border and used them as part of his immersive art installation, which aims to draw attention to the plight migrants face on their journey to the United States.

— talia richman, baltimoresun.com, "Erick Antonio Benitez named winner of 2018 Sondheim Artscape Prize," 15 July 2018
Hamas has led border protests aimed in part at drawing attention to the Israeli-Egyptian blockade imposed after the militant group took control of Gaza in 2007.

— aron heller, BostonGlobe.com, "Israel exchanges intense fire with Hamas militants in Gaza," 14 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'attention.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of attention

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

attention Synonyms

ATTENTION Defined for English Language Learners

attention

noun

Definition of attention for English Language Learners

: the act or power of carefully thinking about, listening to, or watching someone or something
: notice, interest, or awareness
: special care or treatment

ATTENTION Defined for Kids

attention

noun at·ten·tion \ ə-ˈten-shən \

Definition of attention for Students

1 : the act or the power of fixing the mind on something : careful listening or watching

Pay attention to what happens next.

2 : notice, interest, or awareness

attract attention

3 : careful thinking about something so as to be able to take action on it

This matter requires immediate attention.

4 : special care or treatment

His scrape did not require medical attention.

5 : an act of kindness or politeness

His hospitable attentions were brief … being confined to a shake of a hand …
—Washington Irving, “Sleepy Hollow”

6 : the way a soldier stands with the body stiff and straight, heels together, and arms at the sides

Medical Dictionary

attention

noun at·ten·tion \ ə-ˈten-chən \

medical Definition of attention

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

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