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

At the time, Brie's mother Kendra told their 654,000 Instagram followers that doctors found an 8-centimeter tumor in Brie's abdomen in addition to the cancer that had spread elsewhere in her back. —Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 13 Dec. 2025

That makes sense because 40-year-old global superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 668 million Instagram followers, is captain of the Portuguese team and has said this World Cup will be his last. —Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 12 Dec. 2025

She’d been worried that all 4,000 of her TikTok followers would disappear overnight. —Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 12 Dec. 2025

Dallas comedian and actress Theresa Rowley shares much of her life online with thousands of followers. —Amelia Mugavero, CBS News, 11 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