audience

[ aw-dee-uhns ]

noun

1. the group of spectators at a public event; listeners or viewers collectively, as in attendance at a theater or concert:

   The audience was respectful of the speaker's opinion.

2. the persons reached by a book, radio or television broadcast, etc.; public:

   Some works of music have a wide and varied audience.

3. a regular public that manifests interest, support, enthusiasm, or the like; a following:

   Every art form has its audience.

4. opportunity to be heard; chance to speak to or before a person or group; a hearing.
5. a formal interview with a sovereign, high officer of government, or other high-ranking person:

   an audience with the pope.

6. the act of hearing, or attending to, words or sounds.

audience

/ ˈɔːdɪəns /

noun

1. a group of spectators or listeners, esp at a public event such as a concert or play
2. the people reached by a book, film, or radio or television programme
3. the devotees or followers of a public entertainer, lecturer, etc; regular public
4. an opportunity to put one's point of view, such as a formal interview with a monarch or head of state

Grammar Note

See collective noun.

Other Words From

• pro·audi·ence adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of audience¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin audientia “act of listening, group of listeners,” from audient-, stem of audiēns “hearing” (present participle of audīre “to hear”) + -ia -ia ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of audience¹

C14: from Old French, from Latin audientia a hearing, from audīre to hear

Example Sentences

New York audiences were unimpressed with the Rupert Goold production, with Variety’s review calling it a “misguided West End import.”

From Los Angeles Times

Then there’s the added challenge of making a film that is both faithful to the cherished stage production and accessible to audiences who are entirely unfamiliar with the show.

From Salon

Standing at more than 6ft tall, many people referred to him as ‘Big Ken’ but he did not speak down to the audience, he spoke in their language and was respected for that.

From BBC

Pope Francis told an audience at the Vatican that the teenager would be made a miracle during the weekend beginning 26 April.

From BBC

“I told him I wanted the music to be something audiences could dance to,” Coppola says.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• congregation
• crowd
• gallery
• gathering
• market
• public