readership

[ ree-der-ship ]

/ ˈri dərˌʃɪp /

noun

the people who read or are thought to read a particular book, newspaper, magazine, etc.: The periodical has a dwindling readership.

the duty, status, or profession of a reader.

(especially in British universities) the position of instructor or lecturer.

the state or quality of being a reader: appealing to a higher level of readership.

Nearby words

readability, readable, readdress, reade, reader, readership, readies, readily, readiness, reading, reading chair

Origin of readership

First recorded in 1710–20; reader + -ship

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for readership

Its readership expands in times when more of us need its particular brand of salve.
What the Forward Prize Doesn’t Recognize About Poets|Mandy Kahn|July 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
It has existed, over its long history, in both expanded and contracted states in terms of its readership.
What the Forward Prize Doesn’t Recognize About Poets|Mandy Kahn|July 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
And as its influence and readership expands, the paper is feeling the wrath of Hollywood mega-stars.
Hollywood vs. The Daily Mail: George Clooney and Angelina Jolie Take On The UK's Leanest, Meanest Gossip Machine|Lizzie Crocker, Lloyd Grove|July 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Try as they might to connect to their readership via blogpost of their outfits, something feels inherently false.
Tavi Gevinson: From Teen Fashion Queen to Broadway Star|Arabelle Sicardi|July 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST

His readership is small; the site gets roughly 10,000 page views a day.
He Bullies Kids and Calls It News|Brandy Zadrozny|June 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In the present day the readership is purely honorary and without duties.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 14, Slice 5|Various
The office of readership to this society had been offered to Cowper, but was declined by him.
The Works of William Cowper|William Cowper

British Dictionary definitions for readership

readership

/ (ˈriːdəʃɪp) /

noun

all the readers collectively of a particular publication or authora readership of five million; Dickens's readership

mainly British the office, position, or rank of university reader

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012