1. A group of spectators at a public event; listeners or viewers collectively, as in attendance at a theater or concert: Just as the last couple joined the audience, the lights were turned off and the performance began.
2. The readership for printed matter, as for a book: The Harry Potter books have certainly had a huge and faithful audience!
3. A body of adherents; a following: James enlarged his audience by playing music from several popular movies.
4. A formal hearing, as with a religious or state dignitary; meeting; conference; consultation: The church dignitaries arranged to have an audience in order to express their knowledge of the issues at hand.
5. An opportunity to be heard or to express one's views: When the speaker stood in the local park, he realized that he lost his audience when he stated his opinions regarding those who liked to drink coffee in the morning!
6. The act of hearing or attending to words or sounds: In the play, Sally said, "Please give me your attention and audience and listen to what I have to say."
7. An opportunity to be heard; chance to speak to or before a person or a group; a hearing or listening to; Sam hoped to have an audience at the staff conference where he could give data on the number of accidents which occurred on the playground during the last month.
8. A formal interview with a sovereign, high officer of government, or other high-ranking person: Valerie enjoyed having an audience with the Pope.