distraction
noun
dis·trac·tion
di-ˈstrak-shən 
1
: something that distracts : an object that directs one's attention away from something else
turned off her phone to limit distractions
One created a distraction while the other grabbed the money.
2
: the act of distracting or the state of being distracted
especially
: mental confusion
driven to distraction by their endless chatter
Examples of distraction in a Sentence
It was hard to work with so many distractions.
One of them created a distraction while the other grabbed the money.
A weekend at the beach was a good distraction from her troubles.
Their endless chatter drove her to distraction.
Recent Examples on the Web
Containing Russia enables the U.S. to concentrate on the Indo-Pacific and address increasing challenges from China with fewer distractions in Europe.
—
Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
For quite a few in the GOP, an Epstein fight between leadership at the FBI and DOJ is nothing but an unwelcome distraction.
—Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 14 July 2025
The advice for England fans seeking levity and distraction amid the team’s intense start to their European Championship defence was to flick over to ITV X, the streaming platform for one of the UK’s Euros broadcasters, for the wildest subplot of the tournament.
—Katie Whyatt, New York Times, 12 July 2025
However, 72% of high school teachers say that phones are a major distraction.
—Margaret Murray, The Conversation, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for distraction
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
For quite a few in the GOP, an Epstein fight between leadership at the FBI and DOJ is nothing but an unwelcome distraction.
—Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 14 July 2025
The advice for England fans seeking levity and distraction amid the team’s intense start to their European Championship defence was to flick over to ITV X, the streaming platform for one of the UK’s Euros broadcasters, for the wildest subplot of the tournament.
—Katie Whyatt, New York Times, 12 July 2025
However, 72% of high school teachers say that phones are a major distraction.
—Margaret Murray, The Conversation, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for distraction
Cite this Entry
“Distraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distraction. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
distraction
noun
dis·trac·tion
dis-ˈtrak-shən
1
: the act of distracting : the state of being distracted
especially
: mental confusion
2
a
: something that makes it hard to pay attention
Medical Definition
distraction
noun
dis·trac·tion
dis-ˈtrak-shən
1
a
: diversion of the attention
b
: mental confusion
2
: excessive separation (as from improper traction) of fracture fragments
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share