audience

American  

[aw-dee-uhns] / ˈɔ di əns /

noun

1. the group of spectators at a public event; listeners or viewers collectively, as in attendance at a theater or concert.

   The audience was respectful of the speaker's opinion.

2. the persons reached by a book, radio or television broadcast, etc.; public.

   Some works of music have a wide and varied audience.

3. a regular public that manifests interest, support, enthusiasm, or the like; a following.

   Every art form has its audience.

4. opportunity to be heard; chance to speak to or before a person or group; a hearing.

5. a formal interview with a sovereign, high officer of government, or other high-ranking person.

   an audience with the pope.

6. the act of hearing, or attending to, words or sounds.

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audience British  

/ ˈɔːdɪəns /

noun

1. a group of spectators or listeners, esp at a public event such as a concert or play

2. the people reached by a book, film, or radio or television programme

3. the devotees or followers of a public entertainer, lecturer, etc; regular public

4. an opportunity to put one's point of view, such as a formal interview with a monarch or head of state

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Grammar

See collective noun.

Other Word Forms

• proaudience adjective

Etymology

Origin of audience

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin audientia “act of listening, group of listeners,” from audient-, stem of audiēns “hearing” (present participle of audīre “to hear”) + -ia -ia ( def. )

Example Sentences

She enjoyed Boney M. and their call-and-response style and often includes audience interaction in her own work.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

OpenAI would likely argue that it is focusing on a more selective audience within Silicon Valley.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

With arenas such as the Cardiff City Stadium and Principality Stadium mentioned as potential future venues for Price fights, an eye-catching rivalry which captivates a worldwide audience would take her career to new heights.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

“I’m Figure 03, a humanoid built in the United States of America,” the robot told the audience.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

“Get her out of here, will you? Go be a part of the audience, Nat. See what you’re making happen.”

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz

Related Words

• congregation
• crowd
• gallery
• gathering
• market
• public