mindfulness
Americannoun
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the state or quality of being mindful or aware of something.
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Psychology.
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a technique in which one focuses one's full attention only on the present, experiencing thoughts, feelings, and sensations but not judging them.
The practice of mindfulness can reduce stress and physical pain.
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the mental state maintained by the use of this technique.
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noun
Etymology
Origin of mindfulness
First recorded in 1520–30; mindful ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )
Explanation
Mindfulness is a state of focusing on what you're doing right now. Practicing mindfulness often leaves people feeling more relaxed and calm. Since the 16th century, mindfulness has been used to mean "attention." Around 1995, it became popular to describe certain meditative practices using the Sanskrit sati, which translates to mindfulness. Beyond simply paying attention, this kind of awareness is focused on being fully present in the moment. If you've been feeling distracted and stressed out, you should try a mindfulness exercise!
Vocabulary lists containing mindfulness
Louder than Hunger
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The Suffix -ness, Part 6
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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.
"We used to joke that he invented mindfulness," Aaron said.
From BBC • May 11, 2026
Popular Headspace mindfulness app posted a YouTube video this week titled: "When your pets miss you, play this: 6 hour calming music for dogs and cats".
From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026
Others, like Alexander, argue that the feelings can be so intensely unpleasant that mindfulness or distraction alone won’t address the root cause.
From Slate • Mar. 15, 2026
“The Westside people aren’t even going to see any of that, right? So it’s bringing that kind of mindfulness to that space.”
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026
Still, Pearson had to be more mindful of the concerns of black residents than at the beginning of his career—even if that mindfulness didn't translate into any substantive changes during his tenure.
From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson
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.
