'reader' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'rǣdere', where the verb 'rǣdan' meant 'to interpret, advise' and by extension 'to read'.

'reader' changed from Old English 'rǣdere' (a form built from the verb 'rǣdan') and eventually became the modern English word 'reader' through Middle English developments.

Initially, it could refer to someone who interprets or advises (from 'rǣdan'), but over time it evolved to mean primarily 'one who reads text' and, by extension, 'an audience' or 'a reading device'.