following

1 of 4

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 4

noun

: a group of followers, adherents, or partisans

following

3 of 4

preposition

: subsequent to

following the lecture tea was served

following

4 of 4

present participle of follow entry 1

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

Geno Segers is breaking his silence after being fired from Broadway’s Hadestown following backlash over resurfaced transgender comments. — Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 3 Aug. 2026

Adhere to the two-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. — Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 19 June 2026

Noun

Akris is known for its timelessly elegant architectural tailoring using the finest materials, and it’s built a loyal following among professional women at the top of their game. — Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Ganni’s success also fueled growing interest in Copenhagen’s fashion scene, helping pave the way for fellow Danish labels like Saks Potts, Stine Goya, Rotate, and Baum und Pferdgarten to cultivate devoted international followings. — Kelsey Stewart, InStyle, 7 Aug. 2026

Preposition

Campbell appeared emotional following Wednesday’s hearing. — Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026

New York City's LaGuardia Airport reopened Monday following Sunday night's runway crash. — Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 23 Mar. 2026

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