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 of audience

• following
• fandom
• cult

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

Rosie Ramirez, chief marketing officer at Galaxy Theatres, said a young first-wave audience tends to generate buzz. —Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026

After winning the Grammy for best contemporary country album in February, Jelly Roll emotionally dedicated the trophy to Bunnie, who wept and applauded in the audience. —Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 19 June 2026

Similar deals should follow, especially in Southeast Asia, which has large, relatively young, mobile-first audiences, less rigid production infrastructure than some territories such as Japan and less competition than markets like India. —Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 19 June 2026

Vrotsos also loves seeing how his movie changes depending on the venue and audience. —Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 19 June 2026

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