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

Example Sentences

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

For much of her life, Ms. Lafrenz was a follower of the theories of anthroposophy developed by the Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner. —Alan Cowell, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2023

Two decades later, a British rock band, inspired by the former Manson follower’s notoriety, named itself after her. —Elaine Woo Los Angeles Times (tns), al, 2 Mar. 2023

But can the rule-follower keep a business that thrives on creativity and expression at the front of the pack? —Alexandra Sternlicht, Fortune, 1 Mar. 2023

Instagram account @styleofpascal, which tracks The Mandalorian star’s outfits and has a rapidly growing follower count, was quick to identify the pieces Pascal wore out to the Los Angeles premiere. —Louisa Ballhaus, Robb Report, 1 Mar. 2023

Ray is an avid follower of Harvard astronomer Avi Loeb, who makes a strong case for life beyond our solar system. —Dirk Sutro, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 2023

An officer met the girl and her father — who was a follower of Bateman’s — at the small airport in Colorado City, Martin said. —Sheila Mccann, The Salt Lake Tribune, 3 Dec. 2022

The league is a major promotional partner of the app, where videos of big plays are viral and heavily promoted, including by the NFL’s 10 million-follower official account. —Drew Harwell, Anchorage Daily News, 16 Feb. 2023

The league is a major promotional partner of the app, where videos of big plays are viral and heavily promoted, including by the NFL’s 10 million-follower official account. —Drew Harwell, Washington Post, 15 Feb. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing follower

• camp 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