a gathering of spectators or listeners at a (usually public) performance; the audience applauded; someone in the audience began to cough'

the part of the general public interested in a source of information or entertainment; every artist needs an audience; the broadcast reached an audience of millions'

an opportunity to state your case and be heard; they condemned him without a hearing; he saw that he had lost his audience

[ Syn: hearing ]

a conference (usually with someone important); he had a consultation with the judge; he requested an audience with the king

[ Syn: consultation , interview ]