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

What more might Huffman’s project have been able to convey in a sticky-floored basement full of folding chairs and old Christmas lights, with audience on all sides, able to smell the performers’ sweat? —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 5 Dec. 2025

At that moment, the Duke of Sussex, 41, interrupted Colbert’s speech and popped up behind the host — sending the audience into cheers and a standing ovation. —Daniel S. Levine, PEOPLE, 4 Dec. 2025

Miu Miu is largely focused on a younger audience, while Versace, known for its gowns and Medusa logo, caters to the elite fashion establishment. —Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 4 Dec. 2025

The Saudi Film Council had delivered a splashy pitch at the Cannes Film Festival, handing out guides to Saudi film locations and a book with data on the young, digitally savvy Saudi audience. —Rebecca Keegan, NBC news, 4 Dec. 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