follower

noun

fol·​low·​er ˈfä-lə-wər How to pronounce follower (audio)
Synonyms of followernext
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

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Gastélum posted similar content on his Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube accounts, which together had more than 1 million followers. — Rey Rodríguez, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026 Edo joined thousands of friends and followers in Eugenie’s comment section, sharing three pink hearts and an angel baby emoji. — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026 Opening weekend audience are looking like a mix of under 35, A24 loyalists, followers of Matt Johnson and fans of Bourdain. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026 The exposé got more than 116,000 clicks, nearly triple his normal view count, in less than a month and has quickly spread across social media, where influencers discuss Andert’s findings with their thousands of followers. — Oren Peleg, HollywoodReporter, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for follower

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of follower was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing follower

Browse Nearby Words

follow block
follower
follower rest
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Cite this Entry

“Follower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/follower. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

follower

noun
fol·​low·​er ˈfäl-ə-wər How to pronounce follower (audio)
1
: attendant entry 2 sense 1
2
: supporter, adherent
3
: disciple sense 1
4
: one who subscribes to a feed especially on social media

More from Merriam-Webster on follower

Nglish: Translation of follower for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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