follower

noun

fol·​low·​er ˈfä-lə-wər How to pronounce follower (audio)
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
7
: one who subscribes to a feed especially on social media
His account has thousands of followers.
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What began as an intimate connection with fans has ballooned to 7.5 million followers between Instagram and TikTok. Xian Horn, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025 Jussie Smollett proposed to boyfriend Jabari Redd this weekend, bringing the good news to his followers via social media. Jessica Bennett, VIBE.com, 23 June 2025 The first-week results of this $1 billion tournament have sparked interesting questions and debates among soccer followers from Cairo to California, from Berlin to Buenos Aires, from Rio to Rome. Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 22 June 2025 In K-pop, the fans come first, or so catchy South Korean music acts are constantly telling the legions of dedicated followers who have propelled them to international stardom. Peter Debruge, Variety, 21 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for follower

Word History

First Known Use

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

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

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Cite this Entry

“Follower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/follower. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

follower

noun
fol·​low·​er ˈfäl-ə-wər How to pronounce follower (audio)
1
2
3
4
: one who subscribes to a feed especially on social media

More from Merriam-Webster on follower

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