English Reference
noun

audience

n.
US /ˈɑdiəns/ UK /ˈɔːdiəns/ au·di·ence UK spelling audience's, audience's

  1. 01 A2 Elementary Theatre

    the group of people who gather to watch a play, concert, or film.

    a group of people assembled to watch or listen to a live performance or presentation.

    Simple

    The audience clapped loudly at the end of the show.

    In context

    The audience remained remarkably silent throughout the first act, captivated by the lead actor's intense and understated performance.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    the people who read a particular book or watch a certain TV show.

    the total number of people reached by a book, broadcast, or advertisement; a target demographic.

    Simple

    The magazine is trying to reach a younger audience.

    In context

    The author's latest novel failed to find an audience among younger readers, despite a significant marketing campaign on social media platforms.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Formal

    a formal meeting with an important person, like a king or the Pope.

    a formal interview or meeting with a person of high rank or religious authority.

    Simple

    The Prime Minister was granted an audience with the Queen.

    In context

    The ambassador requested a private audience with the Pope to discuss the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.

  4. 04 C2 Proficiency LiteraryArchaic

    the state of being close enough to someone to be heard.

    the condition of being within hearing distance; often used in the phrase 'in the audience of'.

    Simple

    He was careful not to speak while he was in the audience of his enemies.

    In context

    The conspirators met in the garden, ensuring they were well out of the audience of any prying servants.

    earshothearing

Usage audience member · broad audience


From Middle English audience, from Middle French audience, from Old French audience, from Latin audientia, from present participle audiēns (“hearing”), from verb audiō (“to hear”). Doublet of audiencia.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin audientia
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Common
Updated