Reader
ˈriːdər
Definitions
3 meaningsA person who reads, especially one who reads regularly.
ˈriːdər
A person who reads.
She is an avid reader who devours books.
💡 Simply: A reader is someone who likes to read books, magazines, or anything with words! Like, if you're curled up on the couch with a good story, you're a reader.
👶 For kids: A reader is someone who looks at words and figures out what they mean.
More Examples
The newspaper is aimed at a broad readership.
The author hopes to attract more readers with their new book.
How It's Used
"The novel was enjoyed by many readers."
"The teacher assigned a new book for the young readers."
A book containing selected writings or passages, used for educational or reference purposes.
ˈriːdər
A collection of selected readings.
The professor assigned a reader for the course.
💡 Simply: A reader can also be a book with different stories or articles, like a special textbook for learning.
👶 For kids: A reader can be a book with stories and pictures to help you learn.
More Examples
The reader contained a collection of essays.
The history reader helped students learn about different cultures.
How It's Used
"The students were assigned to read the history reader."
"The course required a reader containing several academic papers."
A device that reads data from a medium (such as a card, barcode, or magnetic strip).
ˈriːdər
A device that reads information.
The credit card reader wasn't working.
💡 Simply: Sometimes a reader is a machine that takes information from a card or a code, like the ones in the store when you pay.
👶 For kids: A reader can be a machine that sees and tells the computer the words or numbers on a card or code.
More Examples
The barcode reader quickly scanned the item.
The document reader converts the scanned paper into text.
How It's Used
"The card reader allows me to access my account."
"The barcode reader scanned the item's price."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
From Middle English *redere*, from Old English *rǣdere* ('one who reads'), a derivative of *rǣdan* ('to read').
The term 'reader' has been used in English for centuries, with its meaning evolving from simply someone who can read to encompass different types of media and technologies.
Memory tip
Think of someone engrossed in a book; that's a reader!
Word Origin
"one who reads"