attention
noun
at·ten·tion
ə-ˈten(t)-shən 
sense 4 often (ə-)ˌten(ch)-ˈhət
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
Synonyms
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 on the Web
Quarterback Fernando Mendoza promised the Bears will quickly turn their attention to Stanford.
—
Jeff Faraudo, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
The complaints about the lack of attention to requests from Latino residents and accusations of discrimination will also go to the trial, the judge said.
—Albinson Linares, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
Their designers had initially paid little attention to transit, sidewalks, or tree cover — features that are often afterthoughts for rural roads, but crucial in more densely populated areas.
—David Zipper, Vox, 13 Nov. 2024
The infection can cause a type of serious kidney injury, especially in kids younger than 5. E. coli poisoning in young children requires immediate medical attention.
—Jonel Aleccia, The Denver Post, 13 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for attention 
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Jeff Faraudo, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
The complaints about the lack of attention to requests from Latino residents and accusations of discrimination will also go to the trial, the judge said.
—Albinson Linares, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
Their designers had initially paid little attention to transit, sidewalks, or tree cover — features that are often afterthoughts for rural roads, but crucial in more densely populated areas.
—David Zipper, Vox, 13 Nov. 2024
The infection can cause a type of serious kidney injury, especially in kids younger than 5. E. coli poisoning in young children requires immediate medical attention.
—Jonel Aleccia, The Denver Post, 13 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for attention
Dictionary Entries Near attention
Cite this Entry
“Attention.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/attention. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
attention
noun
at·ten·tion
ə-ˈten-chən
1
: the act or power of fixing one's mind upon something : careful listening or watching
pay attention
2
3
: an act of kindness, care, or courtesy
4
: a posture taken by a soldier with the body stiff and straight, heels together, and arms at the sides
Medical Definition
attention
noun
at·ten·tion
ə-ˈten-chən
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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