audience

noun

au·​di·​ence ˈȯ-dē-ən(t)s 

ˈä-

1

a

: a group of listeners or spectators

The concert attracted a large audience.

b

: a reading, viewing, or listening public

The film is intended for a young audience.

2

: a group of ardent admirers or devotees

has developed an enthusiastic audience for his ideas

3

a

: a formal hearing or interview

an audience with the pope

b

: an opportunity of being heard

4

: the act or state of hearing

Give me audience and heed what I say.

Synonyms

• cult
• followership
• following

Examples of audience in a Sentence

The concert attracted a large audience.

The audience clapped and cheered.

Her audience is made up mostly of young women.

Recent Examples on the Web

Now that streaming is reworking the economics of traditional TV, says Evans, there are just fewer places for big and small marketers alike to find big audiences all watching content at the same time. —Brian Steinberg, Variety, 29 Jan. 2025

That would give the character a three-dimensionality and keep the audience on their toes. —Lynette Rice, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2025

But Crispell’s arrangements, production choices and vocal delivery are able to speak to gospel’s youngest audience without alienating those who have loved the music for decades. —Amy Carleton, Charlotte Observer, 29 Jan. 2025

Poe, known for his macabre and Gothic style, was no stranger to audiences. —Laura Kiniry, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, "hearing, group of listeners, assembly, council," borrowed from Anglo-French, "hearing, group of listeners," borrowed from Latin audientia "act of listening, group of listeners," noun derivative of audient-, audiens, present participle of audīre "to hear" — more at audible entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Phrases Containing audience

• captive audience

Kids Definition

audience

noun

au·​di·​ence ˈȯd-ē-ən(t)s 

1

: a group that listens or watches (as at a play or concert)

2

: an interview with a person of high rank

3

: those of the general public who give attention to something said, done, or written

books with an audience of millions