# audience

/ˈɑdiəns/ (US) · /ˈɔːdiəns/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/audience
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. spectators at an event

noun · CEFR A2

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

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

- The audience clapped loudly at the end of the show.
- The audience remained remarkably silent throughout the first act, captivated by the lead actor's intense and understated performance.

### 2. readership or target group

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

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

### 3. formal meeting

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

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

- The Prime Minister was granted an audience with the Queen.
- The ambassador requested a private audience with the Pope to discuss the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.

### 4. within hearing distance

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary · Archaic

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

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

- He was careful not to speak while he was in the audience of his enemies.
- The conspirators met in the garden, ensuring they were well out of the audience of any prying servants.

## Examples

- The audience claps at the end of the show.
- The comedian struggled to connect with the audience during the first half of his set.
- While the film was a critical failure, it found a dedicated audience among younger viewers who appreciated its experimental visual style.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.