English Reference
noun

attachment

n.
US /əˈtætʃmənt/ UK /ɐtˈætʃmənt/ at·tach·ment UK spelling attachment's, attachment's

  1. 01 A2 Elementary Computing

    a computer file that you send along with an email message.

    a digital file sent as an adjunct to an electronic mail message.

    Simple

    I forgot to include the attachment in my last email, so I am sending it now.

    In context

    Please review the PDF attachment for the full project specifications before our meeting on Tuesday afternoon.

    Usage

    Commonly used with the verbs 'send', 'receive', 'open', or 'download'.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    a strong feeling of affection or loyalty to a person, place, or thing.

    an emotional bond or a sense of deep affection and loyalty toward a person or object.

    Simple

    The child has a very strong attachment to her favorite teddy bear.

    In context

    Psychologists often study the early attachment between infants and their primary caregivers to predict future social development.

    Usage

    Usually followed by the preposition 'to'.

  3. 03 B1 Intermediate

    an extra part that you can join to a machine to help it do a special job.

    an accessory or auxiliary device that can be connected to a primary machine to extend its functionality.

    Simple

    This vacuum cleaner comes with a special attachment for cleaning pet hair off the sofa.

    In context

    The tractor was fitted with a plough attachment to prepare the fields for the spring planting season.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate

    the act of joining one thing to another, or the part that holds them together.

    the act of fastening or joining one object to another, or the point of connection itself.

    Simple

    The secure attachment of the mirror to the wall is very important for safety.

    In context

    Engineers inspected the bridge for any signs of wear at the points of attachment between the cables and the main towers.

  5. 05 C1 Advanced FormalTechnical Law

    the legal act of taking someone's property or money to pay back a debt.

    the legal process of seizing property or wages by court order to satisfy a debt or judgment.

    Simple

    The court ordered an attachment of his earnings to pay for the unpaid taxes.

    In context

    The creditor sought a writ of attachment against the defendant's assets to ensure the funds remained available until the trial concluded.

    seizuregarnishmentconfiscation

By producing a new solution in a creative way, consumers feel a greater sense of attachment to their products—far more than if they had bought them and had them delivered to their door.

Phys.org· 25 Aug 2026

From French attachement. By surface analysis, attach + -ment.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin French attachement
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated