attendance

American  

[uh-ten-duhns] / əˈtɛn dəns /

noun

1. the act of attending.

2. the persons or number of persons present.

   an attendance of more than 300 veterans.

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idioms

1. dance attendance, to be obsequious in one's attentions or service; attend constantly.

   He was given a larger office and several assistants to dance attendance on him.

attendance British  

/ əˈtɛndəns /

noun

1. the act or state of attending

2. the number of persons present

   an attendance of 5000 at the festival

3. obsolete attendants collectively; retinue

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attendance More Idioms  

1. see dance attendance on.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• unattendance
  noun
• proattendance
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of attendance

1325–75; Middle English < Anglo-French, Middle French. See attend, -ance

Explanation

Attendance has to do with being present at something, like work or school. If you never miss a day, you have perfect attendance. The concept of attendance has to do with showing up: if you show up for school, then your attendance is not in question. When people miss school or work, they usually need a note from a doctor, explaining why they weren't in attendance. We can also say "The attendance was 100" if 100 people showed up to a meeting. If only three people out of 100 showed up though, you'd say, "Wow. Attendance was terrible."

Related Words

• appearance
• participation
• presence