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

• cult
• followership
• following

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

Fans in the audience can be heard cheering enthusiastically as Michele transitions from song to song during the seven-song medley. —Brian Anthony Hernandez, People.com, 17 May 2025

One very surprising bit of recent horror news is just how well Final Destination: Bloodlines has scored among both critics (92%) and audiences (90%), higher than any other film in the series that is now six movies long. —Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025

Every Spelling Bee puzzle is hand-curated with a wide-ranging audience in mind. —New York Times Games, New York Times, 17 May 2025

The role of the director has increasingly been reduced to that of project manager, the film to a commodity, and the audience to consumers. —Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 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