/aw"dee euhns/ , n.
1. the group of spectators at a public event; listeners or viewers collectively, as in attendance at a theater or concert: The audience was respectful of the speaker's opinion.
2. the persons reached by a book, radio or television broadcast, etc.; public: Some works of music have a wide and varied audience.
3. a regular public that manifests interest, support, enthusiasm, or the like; a following: Every art form has its audience.
4. opportunity to be heard; chance to speak to or before a person or group; a hearing.
5. a formal interview with a sovereign, high officer of government, or other high-ranking person: an audience with the pope.
6. the act of hearing, or attending to, words or sounds.
[ 1325-75; ME audientia. See AUDIENT, -ENCE ]
Usage . See collective noun .