readership
Americannoun
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the people who read or are thought to read a particular book, newspaper, magazine, etc..
The periodical has a dwindling readership.
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the duty, status, or profession of a reader.
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(especially in British universities) the position of instructor or lecturer.
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the state or quality of being a reader.
appealing to a higher level of readership.
noun
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all the readers collectively of a particular publication or author
a readership of five million
Dickens's readership
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the office, position, or rank of university reader
Etymology
Origin of readership
Explanation
Readership is another way to talk about all the readers of a particular book or periodical. If your online magazine has a readership of five, and one of them is your mom, it's not a roaring success. A newspaper, website, or author's readership is their audience — it's the group of people who regularly read their publication. The local zine writer might have a readership in the dozens, while the Harry Potter books have a vast readership, numbering in the millions. When newspapers and magazines started to lose their readerships, many turned their attention to online versions.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Not only has a slew of HR complaints tempered her icy remarks, but slashed budgets and declining readership have forced her hand.
From Salon • May 6, 2026
Social media allowed Salgado to cultivate a loyal readership by sharing her poetry for free before even signing her first publishing contract for her book, “Corazón.”
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026
His work drew a large female readership, typically uncommon for comic-book writers.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 2, 2026
Maker’s readership is small; a mere 10% pay for her mix of essays, tasting reports and personal reflections.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 6, 2025
Foreign papers reflected the outrage of their readership.
From "Endgame" by Frank Brady
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
