Main Entry: au·di·ence

Pronunciation: \ˈȯ-dē-ən(t)s, ˈä-\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin audientia, from audient-, audiens, present participle of audire

Date: 14th century

1 : the act or state of hearing
2 a : a formal hearing or interview <an audience with the pope> b : an opportunity of being heard <I would succeed if I were once given audience>
3 a : a group of listeners or spectators b : a reading, viewing, or listening public
4 : a group of ardent admirers or devotees : following