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.
For better or worse, attention spans have shortened. Ernest Sturm, Variety, 8 Apr. 2026 When attention spans are shortened, distractions multiply, and burnout rises across industries, the competitive edge comes from teams who can regulate stress, sustain focus and think creatively under pressure. Elan Gepner-Dales, Rolling Stone, 6 Apr. 2026 In a world of fractured attention spans, many public figures are accustomed to mining their personal dramas to stay at the top of their audience’s feeds. Boris Kachka, The Atlantic, 3 Apr. 2026 Trump is reportedly shown a daily two-minute video montage of successful strikes on Iran to keep him up to date on the war, a kind of private military TikTok feed for a Commander-in-Chief with a toddler’s attention span. Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 2 Apr. 2026 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 14 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

attention span

noun
: the length of time during which one is able to concentrate or remain interested
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