attachment
noun
at·tach·ment
ə-ˈtach-mənt 
plural attachments
1
: a seizure by legal process
also
: the writ or precept commanding such seizure
2
b
: affectionate regard
a deep attachment to nature
c
psychology
: a strong emotional bond that an infant forms with a caregiver (such as a mother) especially when viewed as a basis for normal emotional and social development
Of course, the mother provides food and warmth, but for the purposes of attachment what really matters is the sense of safety, comfort, and refuge the mother provides.—
Henry Gleitman et al.
Henry Gleitman et al.
also
: the process by which an infant forms such an emotional bond
Healthy attachment, via attuned parenting, equips human beings for resilience, success, and emotional, psychological, and physiological well-being. —Lindsey Porter
Lindsey Porter 3
: a device attached to a machine or implement
4
: the physical connection by which one thing is attached to another
5
: the process of physically attaching
6
: a separate document or file that is included and sent with an electronic message (such as an email or text message)
The trick to sending attachments successfully is to know what e-mail program and operating system your recipient uses.—Adam C. Engst
Adam C. EngstExamples of attachment in a Sentence
The vacuum cleaner attachments help clean in tight spaces.
I need a longer attachment for the drill.
I'll send the document as an attachment to my next e-mail.
Recent Examples on the Web
Lower-propensity voters without strong attachments to either major party are bound to be less concerned about the fine points of policy than the super-high-frequency voters who populate a primary electorate.
—Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 18 July 2025
Use a larger attachment for bigger surface areas like the trunk space, upholstered seat backs, and floors.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 17 July 2025
Most of these individuals were immature, and their movements were tightly clustered around the tagging locations, which suggests a strong site attachment, possibly influenced by food availability or safety from predators.
—Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
But such victories will likely reassure party elders resistant to change, thereby leaving in place the same party that fought and lost the 2024 election, complete with its attachment to Israel and military spending.
—Andrew Cockburn, Harpers Magazine, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for attachment
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Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 18 July 2025
Use a larger attachment for bigger surface areas like the trunk space, upholstered seat backs, and floors.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 17 July 2025
Most of these individuals were immature, and their movements were tightly clustered around the tagging locations, which suggests a strong site attachment, possibly influenced by food availability or safety from predators.
—Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
But such victories will likely reassure party elders resistant to change, thereby leaving in place the same party that fought and lost the 2024 election, complete with its attachment to Israel and military spending.
—Andrew Cockburn, Harpers Magazine, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for attachment
Cite this Entry
“Attachment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/attachment. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
attachment
noun
at·tach·ment
ə-ˈtach-mənt
1
: a legal taking of property
2
: strong affection : fondness
3
: a device with a special use that is attached to a machine or tool
attachments for a vacuum cleaner
4
: the connection by which one thing is attached to another
5
: the process of physically attaching
6
: a document or file that is sent with email
Medical Definition
attachment
noun
at·tach·ment
ə-ˈtach-mənt
1
: a strong emotional bond that an infant forms with a caregiver (such as a mother) especially when viewed as a basis for normal emotional and social development
also
: the process by which an infant forms an attachment
2
: the physical connection by which one thing is attached to another
sever the attachments of a muscle to a bone
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