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.
Backed by significant grassroots support from Tennessee Stands followers, Humble gave Johnson a run for his money in 2022 but was defeated by just under 800 votes. Vivian Jones, Nashville Tennessean, 5 Sep. 2025 But after a while, her followers began detecting subtle changes in her behavior. Literary Hub, 5 Sep. 2025 Strangers turned to followers and views into food orders. Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025 Good Good intends to build a digital clubhouse for its followers and play a more active role in their golfing lives. Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 4 Sep. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Follower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/follower. Accessed 9 Sep. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!