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."
"Our village library is quiet in the afternoons, when most readers are still at work."
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."
"The door would not open until I held my card against the reader."
"Her old e-reader still works well, even though the screen is a little scratched."
3
In British universities, an academic rank below professor but above senior lecturer.
"She was promoted to reader in molecular biology."
"He hopes to become a reader in history after many years of lecturing."
"The university appointed a new reader in law to lead the research group."
How to use reader
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who reads, or a device that scans or displays text.
Common pairings
avid reader
card reader
e-reader
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like reader.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- readers
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."
Synonyms
View more →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.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include reader:
