reader

Reader is a term with multiple related meanings in English. The core sense refers to a person who reads, whether from a printed page or a digital screen. The form derives from the verb read, with the agent suffix -er, signaling one who performs the action.

In education and publishing, the word has specialized uses. A reader may be a student or participant in reading instruction, or a professional who reviews written submissions. In publishing, a reader or manuscript reader evaluates proposals for literary quality, potential market appeal, or suitability. Publishers often circulate advance reader copies to reviewers ahead of a book’s official release.

In technology, reader denotes devices or software designed for reading. An e-reader is a dedicated device for consuming digital books, often with an electronic ink display and support for formats such as EPUB and PDF. Reading software includes PDF readers and news or RSS readers that aggregate content. In accessibility contexts, a screen reader uses synthesized speech or braille output to convey on-screen text to users who are blind or visually impaired.

The term also appears in media and culture as shorthand for a reader community or audience—for example, a magazine's audience is described as its readers. Readership metrics, such as circulation figures and online engagement, are used to evaluate reach and influence. Across contexts, the concept of a reader links the act of reading to communication, literacy, and information access.