1
a
: one that reads
b
: one appointed to read to others: such as
(1)
: lector
(2)
: one chosen to read aloud selected material in a Christian Science church or society
c(1)
(2)
: one who evaluates manuscripts
(3)
: one who reads periodical literature to discover items of special interest or value
d
: an employee who reads and records the indications of meters
e
: a teacher's assistant who reads and marks student papers
2
British
: one who reads lectures or expounds subjects to students
3
a
: a device for projecting a readable image of a transparency
b
: an electronic device that scans coded information (as on punch cards or bar codes) for storage or computation
5
readers plural
: eyeglasses used for reading or close work : reading glasses
Gilda came back with a pair of readers and, looking through her glasses, gave my eyelids serious consideration.—
Jeanne Ray
Jeanne RayExamples of reader in a Sentence
The book's ending leaves readers to draw their own conclusions.
a magazine with three million readers
Recent Examples on the Web
After two weeks, agents share a report showing which layout keeps readers engaged.
—Vaibhav Kakkar, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
Tune in for short episodes every Wednesday and Saturday as Grumpy answers reader questions, solves seasonal conundrums, and provides need-to-know advice for gardeners with his very Grumpy sense of humor.
—Steve Bender, Southern Living, 18 June 2025
But namesake founder Ben Hedley knows that The Vault’s readers won’t settle for something as straightforward, albeit impressive, so he’s decided to exclusively offer the chance to work hand-in-hand with him on a custom car and to personally drive every detail of your own custom model.
—Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 18 June 2025
This story contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for reader
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Vaibhav Kakkar, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
Tune in for short episodes every Wednesday and Saturday as Grumpy answers reader questions, solves seasonal conundrums, and provides need-to-know advice for gardeners with his very Grumpy sense of humor.
—Steve Bender, Southern Living, 18 June 2025
But namesake founder Ben Hedley knows that The Vault’s readers won’t settle for something as straightforward, albeit impressive, so he’s decided to exclusively offer the chance to work hand-in-hand with him on a custom car and to personally drive every detail of your own custom model.
—Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 18 June 2025
This story contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for reader
Cite this Entry
“Reader.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reader. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
reader
noun
read·er
ˈrēd-ər 
1
: a person who reads
2
a
: a device that makes a readable image
a microfilm reader
b
: a machine for acquiring data (as for a computer)
a card reader
3
: a book for learning or practicing reading
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