audience in WordNet English dictionary

1. a conference (usually with someone important)
   "he had a consultation with the judge"; "he requested an audience with the king"
   consultation  audience  interview 
   
2. a gathering of spectators or listeners at a (usually public) performance
   "the audience applauded"; "someone in the audience began to cough"
   audience 
   
3. 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"
   audience 
   
4. an opportunity to state your case and be heard
   "they condemned him without a hearing"; "he saw that he had lost his audience"
   hearing  audience