plural foci
ˈfoʊˌsaɪ 
also focuses
also focuses
1
: a subject that is being discussed or studied : the subject on which people's attention is focused
—usually singular
The focus of our discussion/debate/attention will be drug abuse.
The scandal became the primary focus of the day's news coverage.
The study's main focus is adults with sleep disorders.
2
: a main purpose or interest
He's successful, but he feels that his life lacks focus.
His life lacks a focus.
3
technical
: a point at which rays of light, heat, or sound meet or from which they move apart or appear to move apart
especially
: the point at which an image is formed by a mirror, a lens, etc.
4
a
: a state in which something (such as a camera, a telescope, or a person's eyes) produces a clear picture or image
bringing the binoculars into focus [=focusing the binoculars; adjusting the binoculars so that the image seen through them is clear and sharp]
It took him a few seconds after he woke up to bring his eyes into focus. [=to focus his eyes]
The binoculars were not in focus. = The binoculars were out of focus. [=the binoculars were not focused]
b
: a state in which the small details of a picture or image can be clearly seen
It was a nice picture—the family was in focus and everyone was smiling.
Unfortunately, several of the pictures were out of focus.
c
: a state or condition in which something can be clearly understood
She tried to bring the important issues into focus. [=she tried to say clearly what the important issues were]
focuses also focusses; focused also focussed; focusing also focussing
1
: to cause (something, such as attention) to be directed at something specific
—+ on
The crime has focused public attention on the problem of parole.
We need to focus our efforts on getting the work done.
2
: to direct your attention or effort at something specific
She has an amazing ability to focus for hours at a time.
—often + onWe need to focus on getting the work done.
The day's news coverage focused primarily/mainly on the scandal.
3
: to adjust (something, such as a lens or a camera) to make an image clear
focus a telescope
I wasn't able to focus the camera.
He focused his binoculars on a distant ship. [=he looked through his binoculars at a distant ship]
I wasn't able to get the camera to focus.
Note: If you focus your eyes on something or if your eyes focus on something, you look at that thing so that you can see it clearly.
4
technical
: to cause (light) to come together at a point
focus rays of light
laser beams that focus at a single point
Cite this Entry
“Focus.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/focus. Accessed 2 Jun. 2026.
Copy Citation
