Meaning

• 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."

• Hearing; the condition or state of hearing or listening.

• A widespread or nationwide viewing or listening public, as of a TV or radio network or program.

• A formal meeting with a state or religious dignitary.

  "She managed to get an audience with the Pope."

• The readership of a book or other written publication.

  ""Private Eye" has a small but faithful audience."

• A following.

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

• An audiencia (judicial court of the Spanish empire), or the territory administered by it.