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

Pulling off the latter appearance had ongoing scheduling challenges, but when test audiences reinforced that a Lopez appearance was warranted, Sony, as they’re known to do, moved mountains to help Gormican swing last-minute additional photography involving Lopez. —Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 25 Dec. 2025

Over the years, the Christmas broadcast has acted as a chronicle of global, national and personal events which have affected the monarch and their audience. —Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 25 Dec. 2025

Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. —Jay Cannon, USA Today, 25 Dec. 2025

The audience is kept handcuffed to a protagonist who’s possessed by undeniable skill and moxie, but simply can’t get out of his own way. —David Sims, The Atlantic, 25 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