Follower

/ˈfɒləʊər/

nounBeginner🔥Very CommonSocial
2 meanings2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

A person who supports or admires a particular person, group, or idea; a devotee or adherent.

/ˈfɒləʊər/

nounneutralBeginner
Social

A person who supports or admires a particular person, group, or idea.

The band thanked their loyal followers.

💡 Simply: A follower is like a friend who likes your posts on social media or someone who's a big fan of your band. They're people who support or admire you or what you do!

👶 For kids: A follower is someone who likes to be with you or likes what you do.

More Examples

2

He is a dedicated follower of the philosophy.

3

She gained many new followers after her viral video.

How It's Used

Social Media

"She has millions of followers on Instagram."

Politics

"The candidate addressed his loyal followers."

Religion

"He was a devoted follower of the guru."

2

A person or thing that comes after or is a consequence of something else.

/ˈfɒləʊər/

nounneutralmedium
Technical

The earthquake had many followers, including aftershocks.

💡 Simply: Imagine one domino knocking over another. The second domino is the follower, the thing that happens because of the first one.

👶 For kids: A follower is something that comes after something else.

More Examples

2

The follower arm of the robot precisely mirrored the lead arm's motion.

3

Inflation is often a follower of increased consumer spending.

How It's Used

Technical

"The follower in the mechanism tracked the cam's movement."

History

"The event had several followers, resulting in major policy changes."

Tip:Think of a 'follower' in a sequence – the next thing in line after something else happens.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

a loyal follower

Someone who is strongly devoted or supportive.

"He's a loyal follower of the party's ideology."

follow someone's lead

To do what someone else does, or to do what someone else suggests.

"I'm going to follow her lead and order the same dish."

From Middle English *folwere, equivalent to follow +‎ -er. Follow ultimately from Old English *folgian ('to follow').

The word 'follower' has been used since Middle English and has primarily retained its meaning of a person who adheres to or supports someone or something.

Memory tip

Think of someone who 'follows' you – like a friend on social media or a student following their teacher.

Word Origin

LanguageOld English
Original meaning

"to pursue, to come after"

loyal followersocial media followerdedicated follower

Common misspellings

folowerfolloer

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written