following

1 of 3

adjective

fol·​low·​ing ˈfä-lə-wiŋ 

1

: being next in order or time

the following day

2

: listed or shown next

trains will leave at the following times

following

2 of 3

noun

: a group of followers, adherents, or partisans

following

3 of 3

preposition

: subsequent to

following the lecture tea was served

Synonyms of following

Adjective

• next

Noun

• entourage
• suite
• crew

Preposition

• after

Examples of following in a Sentence

Adjective

She found a good job, and moved into a new house the following year.

We met again the following day.

Trains will leave at the following times: 2 p.m., 4 p.m., and 8 p.m.

If you have questions or comments, please write to us at the following address: P.O. Box 234,….

Noun

The band has a large and devoted following in Japan.

The movement quickly gained a following among young people.

Preposition

Following the lecture, refreshments were served.

We were tired for a few days following our trip.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

If the measure passes, violators would face penalties under the Maryland Consumer Protection Act, including an up to $10,000 fine for a first offense and a $25,000 fine for any following offenses. —Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 20 Jan. 2026

Drivers are advised to use extra caution this morning, allow greater following distance, and allow extra time to reach your destination. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 7 Jan. 2026

Noun

Alongside these goliaths are several potential multi-billion-dollar IPOs by technology companies with strong consumer followings, including Discord, Stripe, and Canva, as well as crypto companies like Grayscale, Kraken, and Bitgo. —Drew Bernstein, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026

Naroditsky, who built a large following on YouTube and Twitch, denied the allegations and accused Kramnik of trying to ruin his life, Fox News Digital previously reported. —Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 20 Jan. 2026

Preposition

The Manhattan District Attorney's Office released the video on Tuesday afternoon following day 6 of hearings to determine if evidence will be excluded from Mangione's trial. —Adam Sabes , Maria Paronich, FOXNews.com, 10 Dec. 2025

Rozier was arrested in Orlando, where the Heat stayed overnight following Wednesday’s 125-121 season-opening loss to the Magic. —Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Preposition

1841, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing following

• the following

Rhymes for following

• hollowing
• swallowing
• wallowing

Kids Definition

following

1 of 3 adjective

fol·​low·​ing ˈfäl-ə-wiŋ 

1

: being next in order or time

the following day

2

: listed or shown next

following

2 of 3 noun

: a group of followers

following

3 of 3 preposition

: immediately after