audience

noun

au·​di·​ence ˈȯ-dē-ən(t)s How to pronounce audience (audio)
ˈä-
Synonyms of audiencenext
1
a
: a group of listeners or spectators
The concert attracted a large audience.
b
: a reading, viewing, or listening public
The film is intended for a young audience.
2
: a group of ardent admirers or devotees
has developed an enthusiastic audience for his ideas
3
a
: a formal hearing or interview
an audience with the pope
b
: an opportunity of being heard
4
: the act or state of hearing
Give me audience and heed what I say.

Synonyms

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Examples of audience in a Sentence

The concert attracted a large audience. The audience clapped and cheered. Her audience is made up mostly of young women.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The View has come under fire from both audiences and political figures in recent weeks, particularly after current Republican cohost Ana Navarro criticized people for making a tourist spectacle out of the Alligator Alcatraz detainment centers in Florida. — EW.com, 7 Aug. 2025 With expansion across India through 20+ North Indian stores and plans for international pop-ups, Tiramisu serves as cultural ambassadors taking Indian artistry to global audiences, proving that as the jewelry landscape evolves, signity star stones represent a durable, stress-free alternative. — Pooja Shah, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025 In 2020, a filmed version of the original Broadway production premiered on Disney+, expanding its reach to audiences around the world at a time when theaters were shuttered due to the pandemic. — Dave Quinn, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025 The Jimmys — Fallon and Kimmel — pine for that network audience. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 7 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for audience

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, "hearing, group of listeners, assembly, council," borrowed from Anglo-French, "hearing, group of listeners," borrowed from Latin audientia "act of listening, group of listeners," noun derivative of audient-, audiens, present participle of audīre "to hear" — more at audible entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Time Traveler
The first known use of audience was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing audience

Browse Nearby Words

audible control
audience
audience court
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Cite this Entry

“Audience.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/audience. Accessed 14 Aug. 2025.

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Kids Definition

audience

noun
au·​di·​ence ˈȯd-ē-ən(t)s How to pronounce audience (audio)
1
: a group that listens or watches (as at a play or concert)
2
: an interview with a person of high rank
3
: those of the general public who give attention to something said, done, or written
books with an audience of millions

More from Merriam-Webster on audience

Nglish: Translation of audience for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about audience

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