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 of follower

• adherent
• disciple

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

Earlier this month, Costanza Genoese Zerbi, a Long Beach, California, real estate agent, urged her social media followers to make their own pasta as a way to enjoy a higher-quality plate at a more affordable price. —Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 28 Nov. 2025

Chrissy Rasmussen or Hair by Chrissy, is a hairstylist well-known on social media with almost five million followers between TikTok and Instagram. —Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 28 Nov. 2025

The reality star, who first revealed her aspirations to practice law in 2019, announced the news to her Instagram followers earlier this month. —Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Nov. 2025

The TikTok star, known as @marquaythegoat, had gained 7 million followers on the app thanks to his regular, often humorous videos showcasing his daily life and interacting with fans. —Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2025

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