attendance

noun

at·​ten·​dance ə-ˈten-dən(t)s How to pronounce attendance (audio)
1
: the act or fact of attending something or someone
a physician in attendance
Attendance at the meeting is mandatory.
2
a
: the persons or number of persons attending something
Attendance at the soccer games has been increasing.
also : an account of persons attending
The teacher took attendance [=made a record of who was present] before starting class.
b
: the number of times a person attends
a student who has perfect attendance [=a student who has been present at every class]

Examples of attendance in a Sentence

The team wants to double attendance at its games this season. Attendance is down so far this season. Museum attendances in the city have been increasing in recent years. Her grades are good, but how's her attendance?
Recent Examples on the Web As churches across the region and the country have seen attendance decline — a decades-long trend hastened by the pandemic — some are examining creative ways to use their real estate to serve the public good. Danny Nguyen, Washington Post, 9 Mar. 2024 The Aces hold the highest average attendance rate in the league, regularly bringing in nearly 10,000 fans to every game. Neda Ulaby, NPR, 8 Mar. 2024 In addition to fewer days, Summerfest 2023 saw lower attendance. Journal Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2024 While the program is primarily intended for court employees, the advisory said, the event welcomes public attendance to commemorate Mack’s service and legacy. Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 6 Mar. 2024 Schools often offer prizes such as awards and gift cards for students who achieve high attendance. Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Mar. 2024 The School Board on Thursday unanimously approved a plan to move middle school attendance boundaries, a decision meant to alleviate overcrowding at McNair Middle School and help the district in other ways. Al Gaspeny, arkansasonline.com, 1 Mar. 2024 Average attendance rose 29%, to 26,009 — at the venue known then as the Home Depot Center — in Beckham’s first full season with the Galaxy. Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2024 Before the changes, these schools were each allowed to set their own criteria for admissions, which could include test scores, grades, attendance records and other measures. Karina Elwood, Washington Post, 25 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'attendance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see attend

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near attendance

Cite this Entry

“Attendance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/attendance. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

attendance

noun
at·​ten·​dance ə-ˈten-dən(t)s How to pronounce attendance (audio)
1
: the act of attending
2
a
: the number of persons attending
b
: the number of times a person attends
perfect attendance

Medical Definition

attendance

noun
at·​ten·​dance ə-ˈten-dən(t)s How to pronounce attendance (audio)
: service at a hospital
a physician in attendance
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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