viewer

American  

[vyoo-er] / ˈvyu ər /

noun

1. a person or thing that views.

2. a person who watches television, often a devotee of television or of a particular kind of television program.

   a weekly show aimed at teenage viewers.

3. any of various optical devices to facilitate viewing, view, especially one that is small and boxlike with a magnifying lens, and sometimes a light source, in which a photographic transparency may be viewed.

4. an eyepiece or viewfinder.

5. an official inspector of property, public works, or the like.

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viewer British  

/ ˈvjuːə /

noun

1. a person who views something, esp television

2. any optical device by means of which something is viewed, esp one used for viewing photographic transparencies

3. law a person appointed by a court to inspect and report upon property, etc

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Other Word Forms

• nonviewer noun
• underviewer noun
• viewership noun

Etymology

Origin of viewer

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425; view, -er ¹

Example Sentences

Director Yorgos Lanthimos skillfully brings viewers along for the ride, stretching and then rewarding their sympathy with Teddy, even as his behavior becomes ever more outlandish.

From Barron's

Done wrong — or rather, clunkily — and the viewer can be removed from the story in a second flat, all too aware that they’re being spoon-fed a collection of character traits meant to tell, not show.

From Salon

“I wonder if they’re intentionally not giving them enough salmon to so create discord and chaos,” said one viewer, “It’s gotta be such good salmon. A good smoked salmon can change your life.”

From Salon

The pair refer to the increased celebrity presence at events as a "gateway" to entice casual viewers to commit fully to the sport.

From BBC

Unlike streaming or TV, where viewers are "ready and willing to give up their time," micro-dramas are competing with the allure of scrolling.

From BBC

Related Words

• observer
• onlooker
• spectator
• watcher