attention

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

Updated on: 12 May 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

Shapiro, who was just outside of the Lightning dugout when he was hit with the line drive foul ball, received medical attention but coached the remainder of the game.

— steve evans, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Bradshaw, Western pound host Cypress Bay in softball regional semi," 9 May 2018
There are no obvious answers to these questions, but as Bryson points out, Google is at least doing the world a service by bringing attention to this technology.

— james vincent, The Verge, "Google’s AI sounds like a human on the phone — should we be worried?," 9 May 2018
Officials did not specify what type of liquid was thrown or if the officer had to seek medical attention.

— chicago tribune staff, chicagotribune.com, "Teen accused of throwing liquid at Chicago police officer during weekend fighting on and near Mag Mile," 8 May 2018
Kathryn and Alana developed The Smart Toilet, a toilet that monitors the user’s excretory samples for abnormalities and then alerts the user if medical attention is needed.

— adrianne richardson, miamiherald, "AT&T employees help refresh Liberty City Elementary School | Miami Herald," 8 May 2018
She was taken to her mother and did not seek medical attention.

— detroit free press staff, Detroit Free Press, "Michigan DNR officers save woman from 70-foot cliff plunge," 7 May 2018
The women suffered minor injuries and all declined medical attention.

— cheryl higley, cleveland.com, "Worker reports possible drunken driver: Avon Lake Police Blotter," 7 May 2018
The student, a female, reported the incident to campus police and received medical attention.

— max londberg, kansascity, "KC Muslim student was struck in the face on campus on 'Punish a Muslim day,' FBI says | The Kansas City Star," 2 May 2018
So even mild symptoms after a drowning episode warrant medical attention.

— Philly.com, "Drowning is never dry: Two ER doctors explain the real swimming danger kids face," 2 May 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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