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.
But in an era of increasingly short attention spans, Petsch lobbied Lionsgate executives to put out Chapter 3 as soon as possible. Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 9 Feb. 2026 Their attention spans are really short. Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2026 Before fragrance became content — before launches were optimized for speed, metrics and three-second attention spans — bottles were acts of conviction. Sudhir Gupta, Rolling Stone, 4 Feb. 2026 Maybe fretting over fading attention spans is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 4 Feb. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Attention span.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/attention%20span. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

attention span

noun
: the length of time during which one is able to concentrate or remain interested
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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