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

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

Kenda Laney, founder & CEO of Laney Media, has a social media and personal brand audience of nearly 450,000 followers across all platforms. —Kenda Laney, Forbes, 16 Sep. 2024

Trump's remark came days after the singer endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris in an Instagram post to her 284 million followers immediately following Tuesday's presidential debate. —Anika Reed, USA TODAY, 16 Sep. 2024

His remark came less than a week after the pop star voiced her support for Harris in an Instagram post to her 284 million followers, signing it, 'Childless Cat Lady' in a dig to JD Vance, Trump's running mate. —John Tufts, The Courier-Journal, 16 Sep. 2024

Following last week’s first presidential debate between Trump and Harris on ABC News, Swift shared her endorsement for the VP with her 238 million Instagram followers (her account had reached 284 million as of Sept. 15). —Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 15 Sep. 2024

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