fellow

noun

fel·​low ˈfe-(ˌ)lō How to pronounce fellow (audio)
often attributive
1
: comrade, associate
was eager to rejoin his fellows
2
a
: an equal in rank, power, or character : peer
discussions among a group of fellows from the nearby Los Alamos National LaboratoryRoger Lewin
b
: one of a pair : mate
3
: a member of a group having common characteristics
specifically : a member of an incorporated literary or scientific society
a fellow of the American College of Surgeons
4
a
obsolete : a person of one of the lower social classes
b
archaic : a worthless man or boy
c
: man, boy
He seems like a fine fellow.
d
: boyfriend, beau
She and her fellow went to the movies.
5
: an incorporated member of a college or collegiate foundation especially in a British university
6
: a person appointed to a position granting a stipend and allowing for advanced study or research

Did you know?

The Old Norse word for a partner, felagi, means literally “one who puts down property.” Such people were those who laid together their property for some common purpose. Old English borrowed felagi from Old Norse and called a partner a feolaga. This word has come down to us, through several centuries and the development of a number of senses, as modern English fellow. Perhaps its most common use today is its very general one, in which it is applied to any boy or man.

Examples of fellow in a Sentence

fellows and girls at a party a young fellow like you Your son's a bright little fellow. She's found herself a new fellow. a fellow of the American College of Surgeons a Fellow of the Royal Society
Recent Examples on the Web To answer that question, consider what was sown in 2023 Alan J. Borsuk is senior fellow in law and public policy at Marquette Law School. Alan J. Borsuk, Journal Sentinel, 23 Oct. 2024 Each outlet will receive $500,000 in grant money to cover the cost of hiring a two-year AI fellow to work on projects that focus on driving sustainable businesses for local news. Sara Fischer, Axios, 22 Oct. 2024 Marks is developing those new seasons with his fellow co-creator and wife, Rachel Kondo. Joe Otterson, Variety, 22 Oct. 2024 That track, which is fronted by The Weeknd and which also credits fellow actor Lily Rose Depp, once climbed to No. 21 on the U.K. chart. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fellow 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fellow.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English felawe, from Old English fēolaga, from Old Norse fēlagi, from fēlag partnership, from cattle, money + lag act of laying

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of fellow was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near fellow

Cite this Entry

“Fellow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fellow. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

fellow

1 of 2 noun
fel·​low
ˈfel-ō
1
2
a
: an equal in rank, power, or character : peer
b
: one of a pair : mate
3
: a person holding any of various positions at a university
4
a
: a male person
5
: a person granted funds for advanced study

fellow

2 of 2 adjective
: being a companion, mate, or associate

Medical Definition

fellow

noun
fel·​low
ˈfel-(ˌ)ō, -ə(-w)
: a young physician who has completed training as an intern and resident and has been granted a stipend and position allowing him or her to do further study or research in a specialty

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