To garner means to gather or collect something, especially in a gradual way. When a musician's new song garners millions of views, those views accumulate over time as more people discover and share it. When a scientist garners support for her research, she gradually builds a community of colleagues and institutions that believe in her work.

The word often appears with things you can't physically hold: attention, praise, support, or respect. A well-written book might garner critical acclaim. A student's thoughtful question might garner respect from classmates. A charity event might garner donations from the community.

Garner suggests effort and accumulation rather than instant results. You don't usually garner something in a single moment. Instead, through quality work or persistent effort, you gradually collect what you're seeking. When a young inventor garners recognition for her creation, she's gathering the attention and appreciation of people who notice what she's accomplished.