ˈȯdēən(t)s, ˈäd-, Brit often & US sometimes -dyən- noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin audientia, from audient-, audiens (present participle of audire to hear) + -ia -y
1.
a. : the act of hearing ; especially : attention to that which is heard, usually to words
give me audience and heed what I say
b. archaic : the state of hearing : the condition of being within hearing distance : hearing
he said this in the audience of all
2.
a. : formal hearing : formal interview (as with a sovereign or the head of a government) — often used with with, sometimes with of
an audience with the king
they were received in the royal audience chamber
b. : an opportunity of being heard
he would succeed if he were once given an audience
3.
a. : a group or assembly of listeners
the lecturer spoke to a large audience
the pianist had a very appreciative audience
a nationwide radio audience
b. : a group or assembly of spectators
a varied audience attended the science exhibit
a tremendous audience of sports enthusiasts
c. : those attending a stage or film production or viewing a televised program
the play met with favorable audience reaction
d. : the public reached by books, newspapers, magazines, or other similar media
influencing an audience of millions through his books
4. : those interested in, responsive to, or otherwise supporting an individual (as a writer), an ideology (as liberalism), an art form (as poetry), or other object of public interest : following
developing an enthusiastic audience for the free expression of ideas