subscriber

American  

[suhb-skrahy-ber] / səbˈskraɪ bər /

noun

1. a person, company, etc., that subscribes, as to a publication or concert series.

2. a homeowner, apartment dweller, business, etc., that pays a monthly charge to be connected to a television cable service.

3. a person who promises to donate a sum of money, purchase stock, etc.

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Other Word Forms

• nonsubscriber noun
• presubscriber noun

Etymology

Origin of subscriber

First recorded in 1590–1600; subscribe + -er ¹

Explanation

A subscriber is someone who supports a cause, philosophy, or an actual service, often through paying money. For example, a subscriber to a streaming service may pay a monthly fee to watch the provider's television shows and movies. The word subscriber comes from the Latin roots sub, meaning "under," and scrib, meaning "write." So subscribers can be thought of as those who sign their names at the bottom of a contract — either literally or figuratively. Magazine subscribers literally sign a contract to pay a monthly fee to get the latest issues delivered to them. But subscribers may also just be people who strongly agree with or adopt a philosophy or lifestyle, figuratively "signing on."

Example Sentences

Both Paige and James - who isn't currently a Lime subscriber either - say e-scooters are quicker than buses for their commutes.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

The company said it has forecast subscriber revenue growth of 21% on a Generally Accepted Accounting Principles basis and 19% on a non-GAAP basis.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Given rising oil prices and geopolitics, the subscriber reporting changes aren’t front of mind for investors now, he believes.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

They have drawn in many young children and older adults, with those 65 and up now their third-largest subscriber group.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

For roughly $100 a year he became a subscriber to 10-K Wizard.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis

Related Words

• donor