attachment

noun

at·​tach·​ment ə-ˈtach-mənt How to pronounce attachment (audio)
plural attachments
1
: a seizure by legal process
also : the writ or precept commanding such seizure
2
a
: the state of being personally attached : fidelity
attachment to a cause
b
: affectionate regard
a deep attachment to nature
c
psychology : a strong emotional bond that an infant forms with a caregiver (such as a mother) especially when viewed as a basis for normal emotional and social development
Of course, the mother provides food and warmth, but for the purposes of attachment what really matters is the sense of safety, comfort, and refuge the mother provides.Henry Gleitman et al.
also : the process by which an infant forms such an emotional bond
Healthy attachment, via attuned parenting, equips human beings for resilience, success, and emotional, psychological, and physiological well-being. Lindsey Porter
3
: a device attached to a machine or implement
4
: the physical connection by which one thing is attached to another
5
: the process of physically attaching
6
: a separate document or file that is included and sent with an electronic message (such as an email or text message)
The trick to sending attachments successfully is to know what e-mail program and operating system your recipient uses.Adam C. Engst

Examples of attachment in a Sentence

The vacuum cleaner attachments help clean in tight spaces. I need a longer attachment for the drill. I'll send the document as an attachment to my next e-mail.
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.
Despite the lower price points, the vacuums that made this list impressed us with their strong suction, maneuverability, and thoughtful features like washable filters, easy-to-empty dustbins, and multiple attachments. Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025 The Leap is predicated on severing attachment to all things (see Laura’s inability to feel love for her baby), but love is a key factor in creating a secure attachment. Erin Qualey, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025 Using the hook attachment, beat on medium until dough is smooth and elastic but stringy, 5 minutes. Erin Hooker, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Sep. 2025 Antonelli said one of his biggest tips for homeowners is to get something easy to deploy – and that doesn’t require structural attachments. Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for attachment

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Attachment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/attachment. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

attachment

noun
at·​tach·​ment ə-ˈtach-mənt How to pronounce attachment (audio)
1
: a legal taking of property
2
: strong affection : fondness
3
: a device with a special use that is attached to a machine or tool
attachments for a vacuum cleaner
4
: the connection by which one thing is attached to another
5
: the process of physically attaching
6
: a document or file that is sent with email

Medical Definition

attachment

noun
at·​tach·​ment ə-ˈtach-mənt How to pronounce attachment (audio)
1
: a strong emotional bond that an infant forms with a caregiver (such as a mother) especially when viewed as a basis for normal emotional and social development
also : the process by which an infant forms an attachment
2
: the physical connection by which one thing is attached to another
sever the attachments of a muscle to a bone
attach verb

More from Merriam-Webster on attachment

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