WordGarden.ioreader
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /rˈiːdə/
US
- /ˈridər/
Meanings
Noun
a person who reads, especially someone who regularly reads books, articles, or other text
a device or app that reads, scans, or displays digital text or machine-readable information
a textbook, anthology, or collection of readings prepared for study
More meaningsFewer meanings
a university teacher of senior rank, especially in British higher education
Beyond the definition
A reader is usually a person who reads books, articles, messages, or any other kind of written text. You might picture a child deep in a story, a student going through a textbook, or someone reading the news on a phone. The word can also show a reading habit or style, as in "fast reader" or "careful reader." Sometimes it means a device or app that reads or scans text, codes, or files.
The word "reader" seems simple enough: it usually means a person who reads. But its meaning can stretch beyond the basic act of looking at words on a page or screen. A reader may be enjoying a story, studying for school, checking instructions, or trying to understand a difficult text.
It is often used in everyday life for someone who has a reading habit or a reading style. A "regular reader" reads often, a "slow reader" takes more time, and a "careful reader" pays close attention to detail. In older or more formal settings, a reader could also be a person whose job was to read aloud to others. In universities, especially in the United Kingdom and some Commonwealth countries, "Reader" can be an academic title for a senior teacher and researcher.
The term also extends beyond people. In technology, a "barcode reader," "QR code reader," card reader, or e-reader is a device that scans, opens, or displays information. In writing and publishing, the word can also mean the person the text is written for, as when an author wants to keep the reader interested or guide the reader through an idea.
So, whether it is a person enjoying a novel, a student working through a lesson, a senior academic, or a machine scanning data, a reader is something or someone that takes in written or coded information. The exact meaning depends on the context, but the central idea stays the same: it reads and makes sense of information.
Examples
- 1
Reading habit
She has always been a keen reader, even as a child.
- 2
Personal preference
I'm not much of a reader these days, but I still buy novels for vacations.
- 3
Newspaper audience
He's a regular reader of the local newspaper.
- 4
Target audience
The book is written for younger readers, so the language is simple.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Reader participation
The magazine asks readers to send in their questions and comments.
- 6
E-book device
You can borrow an e-book reader from the library.
- 7
Card reader
Insert your card into the reader and enter your PIN.
See also
Similar
- bookworm
- peruser
Shades of meaning
- bibliophile
- subscriber
- audience
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- avid reader
- regular reader
- general reader
- dear reader
Word family
Explore
- literacy
- reading comprehension
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- readernounverb
Forms
- readerspluralnounverb