follower

noun

fol·​low·​er ˈfä-lə-wər 

1

a

: one in the service of another : retainer

b

: one that follows the opinions or teachings of another

c

: one that imitates another

2

archaic : one that chases

3

: a sheet added to the first sheet of an indenture or other deed

4

: a machine part that receives motion from another part

5

: a spring-loaded plate at the bottom of a firearm's magazine that angles cartridges for proper insertion into the chamber

6

: fan, devotee

7

: one who subscribes to a feed especially on social media

His account has thousands of followers.

Synonyms

• acolyte
• adherent
• convert
• disciple
• epigone
• liege man
• partisan
• partizan
• pupil
• votarist
• votary

Choose the Right Synonym for follower

follower, adherent, disciple, partisan mean one who gives full loyalty and support to another.

follower may apply to people who attach themselves either to the person or beliefs of another.

an evangelist and his followers

adherent suggests a close and persistent attachment.

adherents to Marxism

disciple implies a devoted allegiance to the teachings of one chosen as a master.

disciples of Gandhi

partisan suggests a zealous often prejudiced attachment.

partisans of the President

Examples of follower in a Sentence

The party drew most of its followers from among young people.

The band has a large group of followers.

He had a reputation of being a follower, not a leader.

Recent Examples on the Web

Many followers asked about the scar on his face, which led her to post a video explaining the reason for his love line. —Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024

Nevertheless, much of his own theoretical work emerged from a distinct but related intellectual tradition, the post-Keynesian school, which was originally associated with some left-leaning British followers of John Maynard Keynes. —John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2024

In a tearful TikTok post on Friday, Longo informed Peanut’s followers of his death. —Ahjané Forbes, USA TODAY, 2 Nov. 2024

Since gaining popularity in 2023, the 22-year-old, who’s based in New York, has grown her TikTok account to over 600,000 followers by posting videos about avoiding accidental weight gain in college, staying thin while working in an office, and how to grocery shop with your waistline in mind. —Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing follower

• camp follower

Kids Definition

follower

noun

fol·​low·​er ˈfäl-ə-wər 

1

: attendant entry 2 sense 1

2

: supporter, adherent

3

: disciple sense 1

4

: one who subscribes to a feed especially on social media