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
Yet his readers may not know of his other passion: craft beer.
—Peter Rowe, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025
Taylor Jenkins Reid, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Nearly a decade after its publication, this New York Times bestseller is still captivating readers with its pitch perfect descriptions of old Hollywood.
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What Folks Love About This Recipe Cowboy Breakfast Casserole is a reader favorite for many reasons.
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This newsletter contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing.
—Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for reader
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Peter Rowe, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025
Taylor Jenkins Reid, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Nearly a decade after its publication, this New York Times bestseller is still captivating readers with its pitch perfect descriptions of old Hollywood.
—Susan Walter
june 6, Literary Hub, 6 June 2025
What Folks Love About This Recipe Cowboy Breakfast Casserole is a reader favorite for many reasons.
—Josh Miller, Southern Living, 6 June 2025
This newsletter contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing.
—Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 6 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 10 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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