attendance
Americannoun
-
the act of attending.
-
the persons or number of persons present.
an attendance of more than 300 veterans.
idioms
noun
-
the act or state of attending
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the number of persons present
an attendance of 5000 at the festival
-
obsolete attendants collectively; retinue
Other Word Forms
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."
Vocabulary lists containing attendance
A Graduation Lexicon
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List 1
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Attendance is by application only—which helps TED create a culture “where ideas can be freely exchanged” a spokesperson says.
From Slate • May 8, 2026
Attendance is reportedly growing week by week, with posts on social media platforms like X playing a big role.
From BBC • May 7, 2026
Attendance increased 4% to 2.9 million visits and per capita spending grew 6% to $69.26.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026
Attendance was announced at 19,122, the largest on Big ’Cap day since 2019.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 7, 2026
“I used to teach classes before this place got so cluttered. Attendance dipped lower as I got messier. Just never started it up again.”
From "Hope Springs" by Jaime Berry
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
