1 : the act or power of carefully thinking about, listening to, or watching someone or something [noncount] ▪ We focused our attention on this particular poem. ▪ My attention wasn't really on the game. ▪ The game was boring and my attention began to wander. [=I was losing interest in the game and started thinking about other things] ▪ You need to pay more attention in school. ▪ Please give me your undivided/full/complete attention. [=please listen carefully and concentrate on what I am saying and doing] ▪ The movie keeps/holds your attention [=interest] right to the very end. — often + to ▪ Her job requires careful attention to detail. ▪ You need to pay more attention to the teacher. ▪ Don't pay any attention to what the other kids say. [=ignore what the other kids say] ▪ It's time to turn/give our attention to the next project. ▪ Pay (close/careful) attention to what he says. [count] ▪ (US) Lately she's been focusing her attentions on making sales. ◊This sense is sometimes used as an interjection.
▪ Attention, please! [=please give me your attention] 2 [noncount] : notice, interest, or awareness
▪ She likes all the attention she is getting from the media/press. ▪ The actor avoids drawing attention to himself. ▪ The book has received/attracted 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. ▪ Your hard work and dedication have not escaped my attention. [=I have noticed your hard work and dedication] ▪ The book's title grabbed/caught my attention. [=the title caused me to look at the book] ▪ He was trying to divert/distract attention away from his friend's mistake. [=he was trying to keep people from noticing or thinking about his friend's mistake] ▪ We tried to attract/get your attention [=we tried to get you to see us], but you didn't hear us calling you. ▪ Thank you for bringing the matter to my attention. [=making me aware of the matter] ▪ It has been brought to my attention [=I've been made aware] that the meeting has been canceled. ▪ I would like to call/bring your attention to a problem we are having. ▪ It came to my attention [=I noticed] that several items were missing from my office. ▪ It has come to my attention [=I have been made aware] that some people were offended by my comments. ▪ He loves being the center of attention. [=he loves being noticed and watched by many people] 3 [noncount] : special care or treatment
▪ Be sure the dog gets plenty of attention. ▪ The house is in good shape, but the porch needs some attention. ▪ The victim needed immediate medical attention. 4 attentions [plural] : acts of kindness, care, or courtesy : acts that show affection or admiration for someone
▪ She found his attentions flattering. ▪ She has been receiving unwanted attentions from a coworker. 5 [noncount] : the way a soldier stands with the body stiff and straight, the feet together, and both arms at the sides — often used as a command ▪ Attention!