attention span

noun

: the length of time during which one (such as an individual or a group) is able to concentrate or remain interested

Examples of attention span in a Sentence

people with short attention spans
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.
Even now, when there is little that can be called conventional wisdom anymore, one thing everyone seems to agree on is that American attention spans keep getting shorter. Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2025 And their attention spans are shorter. Kimberly Zapata, Parents, 17 Oct. 2025 The issue is the way improper technology use can fragment kids’ attention spans. Rachel Hale, USA Today, 16 Oct. 2025 Yet while the fast cutting — Pellington and Klein were known to argue whether a shot should go on for two frames or three — would indicate that the series was made for short attention spans, somehow the content was organized in a way that allowed the viewer to truly process and contemplate it. Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 16 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for attention span

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of attention span was in 1903

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Attention span.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/attention%20span. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

attention span

noun
: the length of time during which one is able to concentrate or remain interested
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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