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

There are numerous parenting groups devoted to unschooling on Facebook, some of which have tens of thousands of members, while influencers have garnered hundreds of thousands of followers by documenting their lives as unschooling parents. —Ej Dickson, Rolling Stone, 24 June 2024

Starting in 2020, Hayden Begley began posting funny videos of her mom (actress Rachelle Carson-Begley) and dad on her TikTok account, which currently has more than 200,000 followers. —Kirsten Chuba, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 June 2024

In a subsequent post, the NPS directed followers to a post with safety tips and guidance for staying safe near wildlife. —Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 23 June 2024

Will Trump confirm his vow to pardon followers jailed for violence on January 6th? —Evan Osnos, The New Yorker, 23 June 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