audience

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a gathering of spectators or listeners at a (usually public) performance

   the audience applauded

2. 2
   noun

   the part of the general public interested in a source of information or entertainment

   every artist needs an audience

3. 3
   noun

   A group of people within hearing; specifically, a large gathering of people listening to or watching a performance, speech, etc.

   We joined the audience just as the lights went down.

4. 4
   noun

   Hearing; the condition or state of hearing or listening.

   WHen he had ended all his ſayingꝭ in the audience of the people / he entred ĩto Capernaum.

5. 5
   noun

   A formal meeting with a state or religious dignitary.

   She managed to get an audience with the Pope.

6. 6
   noun

   The readership of a book or other written publication.

   "Private Eye" has a small but faithful audience.

7. 7
   noun

   A following.

   The opera singer expanded his audience by singing songs from the shows.

8. 8
   noun

   a conference (usually with someone important)

Etymology

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.