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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
Maintaining the attention span of a toddler should be an Olympic sport.
—Megan Vick, EW.com, 3 Aug. 2024
Research has shown that our attention spans have fallen over the years.
—Cherian Koshy, Forbes, 4 Sep. 2024
Actor Michael Rooker argued that modern audiences do not have long attention spans, giving a reason for the recent box office failure of Horizon: An American Saga.
—Asher Notheis, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 5 July 2024
Viewers will be scrutinizing the debate for speed of response, memory lapses, word finding difficulties, attention span, poor impulse control, and the ability to stay on message and connect the dots in real time as the debate moderators shift from topic to topic.
—Anand Kumar, STAT, 25 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for attention span
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'attention span.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1903, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near attention span
Cite this Entry
“Attention span.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/attention%20span. Accessed 2 Oct. 2024.
Kids Definition
attention span
noun
: the length of time during which one is able to concentrate or remain interested
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