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.
Her tens of millions of social media followers give her a platform far beyond her New York district, and her nickname, AOC, has become one of the most recognizable in American politics. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026 Two fraudulent videos targeting the Senate candidate were posted on Tuesday on X by an account created last month that had few followers. — Shannon Bond, NPR, 24 Oct. 2026 An analysis published by NYU’s Journal of Intellectual Property & Entertainment Law discusses how younger consumers embrace dupe culture and proudly share affordable alternatives with friends and followers. — Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2026 Vic Blends is an acclaimed barber and entrepreneur with more than 25 million social media followers. — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 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

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follower rest
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Cite this Entry

“Follower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/follower. Accessed 27 Oct. 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
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