-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
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
Get to The Point With the meteoric rise of TikTok came the downfall of the attention span.
—Howard Murphy, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2024
Bottom line: Readers have short attention spans and a low tolerance for boredom.
—Renae Gregoire, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
Share [Findings] Neuropsychologists developed a shorter IQ test for children with shorter attention spans.
—Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 27 Mar. 2024
As attention spans get shorter, Grossbard said, many voters are increasingly turning to sharable Instagram infographics rather than taking the time to watch cable news or read a lengthy article.
—Angela Yang, NBC News, 26 Mar. 2024
To help save energy, it is equipped with a sleep mode that turns the car off after five minutes of inactivity—a very helpful feature for little ones with short attention spans.
—Alesandra Dubin, Parents, 18 Mar. 2024
The theme of attention span came up again, when Tsai admitted to regularly watching short videos on TikTok.
—Patrick Frater, Variety, 16 Feb. 2024
The problem is the audience’s attention span has shifted.
—Addie Morfoot, Variety, 7 Mar. 2024
As social media consumers move toward more short-form video content and some attention spans wane, some long-form content, like what Rooster Teeth produced, has struggled to maintain its audience.
—Kalhan Rosenblatt, NBC News, 6 Mar. 2024
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 26 Apr. 2024.
Kids Definition
attention span
noun
: the length of time during which one is able to concentrate or remain interested
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share