Phrase guide

captive audience

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

A person or people who are unable to leave a place or situation and are thus forced to listen to or watch something.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • Passengers on the plane are a captive audience.
  • Register racks at checkout stands offer manufacturers a captive audience for their products in the retailer's store.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.