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.
Social media is blamed for raising a generation of self-promoting narcissists and fuelling a precipitous decline in attention spans and intellectual engagement. — Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026 Today, whether social media – and its impact on young attention spans – will have a lasting impact on who constitutes this narrow reading class long-term is as yet unclear. — Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 22 Oct. 2026 With a generation of listeners boasting shorter attention spans and having a glut of releases at their disposal, projects tend to get discarded within weeks, and this kind of move can help alleviate that. — Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2026 One way 14th differs from 13th is in the audience DuVernay imagined watching it — particularly its attention span and knowledge base. — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 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

Rhymes for attention span

See All Rhymes for attention span

Browse Nearby Words

attention line
attention span
attentive
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Cite this Entry

“Attention span.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/attention%20span. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

attention span

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