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

Modernizing the product, launching subbrands, widening the appeal and audience, and efforts at being culturally relevant, such as tying into the Coachella festival, have been part of the agenda. —David Moin, Footwear News, 13 Nov. 2025

The Duffer Brothers, Matt and Ross Duffer, addressed the audience before the premiere episode and spoke to the arduous journey of bringing this show to life. —Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 13 Nov. 2025

As deals between content creators and established media companies continue to ramp up, the creator economy is steadily impacting the way Hollywood and legacy businesses are engaging with younger audiences. —Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 13 Nov. 2025

As host and producer of P4 Country, Hansson has played a key role in growing country music’s audience in Scandinavia, hosting the region’s largest weekly country program. —Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 13 Nov. 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