attention

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

|Updated on: 22 Jun 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

In retail spaces, consumer attention has shifted away from goods on racks and shelves, and toward smartphones and apps instead.

— courtney coffman, The Atlantic, "Shops Aren’t for Shopping Anymore," 19 June 2018
When those hopes fizzled Monday, attention turned to North Carolina.

— scott bauer and gary d. robertson, The Christian Science Monitor, "Supreme Court: gerrymandering arguments must prove harm to voters," 19 June 2018
Skin care tends to get all the attention when summer is in full swing.

— zoë weiner, Teen Vogue, "The Best Summer Styling Tips for Your Everyday Hair Care Routine," 18 June 2018
Justina Valentine Valentine wasn't shy in a sheer top. Kim Kardashian Kardashian's braids may have gotten more attention than her two-piece outfit.

— carly mallenbaum, USA TODAY, "The most outrageous red-carpet looks from the MTV Movie & TV Awards," 17 June 2018
Tatum, Brown, and even potentially Hayward or Kyrie would be enough to get San Antonio's attention and could put talks with the Lakers on hold.

— andrew sharp, SI.com, "Kawhi Leonard Wants Out and the NBA Offseason Is Here," 15 June 2018
During the 1968 World Series, José Feliciano’s national anthem got almost as much attention as the battle between the Detroit Tigers and St. Louis Cardinals.

— alice george, Smithsonian, "For 50 Years, José Feliciano’s Version of the National Anthem Has Given Voice to Immigrant Pride," 15 June 2018
Strollers and wheelchairs get extra attention and require extra time to load.

— joe taschler, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Out on 'the ramp,' minutes count. It's some of the toughest — and most fun — work in the airline business," 14 June 2018
The abduction issue often gets equal or greater attention than the missile threat in Japan, in part because Mr. Abe was responsible for seeking a resolution of the problem under the administration of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.

— alastair gale, WSJ, "Japan’s Abe Considers Joining in Diplomacy With North Korea," 14 June 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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