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

Musk’s recent controversial behavior includes addressing an inauguration audience with a gesture many interpreted to be a Nazi salute. —Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 6 Mar. 2025

The creator economy presents a paradox for enterprise marketers: unprecedented access to audiences through authentic voices, with more channels and touchpoints to leverage than ever before, yet mounting pressure to prove the value of every dollar spent. —Scott Sutton, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025

As the event concluded, the Parks and Recreation star, 45, got up from his seat and quickly stood in front of Brown with his back to the audience. —Charna Flam, People.com, 6 Mar. 2025

The festival will host four Anniversary screenings for audiences to celebrate the lasting legacy of these films. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 6 Mar. 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