1. audience

a gathering of spectators or listeners at a (usually public) performance

Example Sentences:
'the audience applauded'
'someone in the audience began to cough'

2. audience

the part of the general public interested in a source of information or entertainment

Example Sentences:
'every artist needs an audience'
'the broadcast reached an audience of millions'

3. audience, hearing

an opportunity to state your case and be heard

Example Sentences:
'they condemned him without a hearing'
'he saw that he had lost his audience'

• hearing

4. audience, consultation, interview

a conference (usually with someone important)

Example Sentences:
'he had a consultation with the judge'
'he requested an audience with the king'

• consultation
• interview