the center of attention

noun phrase

: the person most noticed and watched by other people
He likes to be the center of attention.

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web White was the center of attention, thanks in no small part to who was sitting with him: on one side, former President Donald Trump, now facing criminal charges in New York; on the other, the boxer Mike Tyson, no stranger to legal troubles of his own, and the controversial musician Kid Rock. Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Apr. 2023 Many people go out of their way not to be the center of attention, period. Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 3 Apr. 2023 Seeing the game better Every plate appearance – that willful and wily exchange between batter and pitcher – unfolds at the center of attention of every player and spectator. Alva Noë, Fortune, 31 Mar. 2023 Some of his advisers, according to a recent Washington Post article, said this is favorable terrain for Trump: back in the center of attention as the dominant figure in his party. Perry Stein, Anchorage Daily News, 31 Mar. 2023

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

Dictionary Entries Near the center of attention

Cite this Entry

“The center of attention.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20center%20of%20attention. Accessed 30 May. 2023.

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