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noun A1 Beginner Common

reader

REE-duh

Reader (noun) means a person who reads, especially someone who reads a particular publication or type of book. Example: “The magazine has over a million readers.”

noun
1
A person who reads, especially someone who reads a particular publication or type of book.
"The magazine has over a million readers."
"She is an avid reader of crime novels."
2
A device or piece of software that scans or displays information, such as a card reader or e-reader.
"He downloaded the novel onto his e-reader."
3
In British universities, an academic rank below professor but above senior lecturer.
"She was promoted to reader in molecular biology."

How to use reader

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone who reads, or a device that scans or displays text.

Common pairings
avid reader card reader e-reader

Word forms

readers plural

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Test yourself on “reader” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The magazine has over a million _____.

Etymology

From Old English rēdere ("a reader, a diviner"), formed from "read" plus the agent suffix "-er."

Origin: Old English

Related words

Rhymes for reader

See all rhymes for reader →

Frequently asked questions

What does “reader” mean?

The word “reader” means a person who reads, especially someone who reads a particular publication or type of book. In plain terms, someone who reads, or a device that scans or displays text.

How do you pronounce “reader”?

“Reader” is pronounced REE-duh (/ˈɹidɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “reader” in a sentence?

Here is “reader” used in a sentence: “The magazine has over a million readers.”

What part of speech is “reader”?

“Reader” is a noun.

Where does the word “reader” come from?

The word “reader” comes from Old English. From Old English rēdere ("a reader, a diviner"), formed from "read" plus the agent suffix "-er.".

Is “reader” a common word?

“Reader” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.

How many meanings does “reader” have?

“Reader” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who reads, especially someone who reads a particular publication or type of book.

What is the difference between a reader and an audience?

A reader is one person who reads a text, while an audience is the collective group of people who read, watch, or listen to something. A publication can have many readers who together form its audience or readership.

What is the difference between a reader and a subscriber?

A reader is anyone who reads a publication, whereas a subscriber has specifically signed up to receive it regularly. All subscribers are readers, but not all readers are subscribers.

What is a reader as a device?

Besides a person, a reader can be a device or piece of software that scans or displays information, such as a card reader, barcode reader, or e-reader. In this sense the word names a tool rather than a person.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial