attendance

noun

at·​ten·​dance ə-ˈten-dən(t)s 

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

That's positioning the game to break the NWSL's single match attendance record and the league's inaugural home game attendance record. —Kelly Werthmann, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026

In the 43rd week of the 2025-26 season, Broadway has grossed $1,549,367,378, up about 7% over last year at this time, with total attendance of 11,645,418 up 3%. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 24 Mar. 2026

This year’s Berlinale saw record audience admissions and a growth in industry attendance. —Leo Barraclough, Variety, 24 Mar. 2026

Plus, attendance at Republic FC’s current home pitch, Cal Expo’s Heart Health Park, has been strong. —Sacbee.com, 24 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see attend

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing attendance

• attendance officer
• dance attendance
• in attendance
• take attendance

Rhymes for attendance

• ascendance
• dependance
• dependence
• transcendence
• interdependence
• superintendence
• tendance

Kids Definition

attendance

noun

at·​ten·​dance ə-ˈten-dən(t)s 

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 

: service at a hospital

a physician in attendance