1. 1. The spectators or listeners assembled at a performance, for example, or attracted by a radio or television program.
   2. The readership for printed matter, as for a book.
2. A body of adherents; a following: The tenor expanded his audience by recording popular songs as well as opera.
3. A formal hearing, as with a religious or state dignitary.
4. An opportunity to be heard or to express one's views.
5. The act of hearing or attending.

[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin audientia, from audiēns, audient-, present participle of audīre, to hear.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.