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

This defensive pattern was already apparent in a sixteenth-century Portuguese account of a battle in Guinea between the slaver state of Cassanga (allied to the Portuguese) and the followers of a local chieftain, King Bambara. —Literary Hub, 5 Dec. 2025

Amid growing questions surrounding her status, Belair recently shared a candid update with her followers. —Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025

Messi has more than 500 million Instagram followers and has helped expose the league to new audiences. —Scott Soshnick, Sportico.com, 5 Dec. 2025

Trump’s core pitch to his followers has always been all about his strength, power, and energy—his willingness to fight for them, no matter what. —Susan B. Glasser, New Yorker, 5 Dec. 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