following

[ fol-oh-ing ]

noun

1. a body of followers, attendants, adherents, etc.
2. the body of admirers, attendants, patrons, etc., of someone or something:

   That television show has a large following.

3. the following, that which comes immediately after, as pages, lines, etc.:

   See the following for a list of exceptions.

adjective

1. that follows or moves in the same direction:

   a following wind.

2. that comes after or next in order or time; ensuing:

   the following day.

3. that is now to follow; now to be mentioned, described, related, or the like:

   Check the following report for details.

following

/ ˈfɒləʊɪŋ /

adjective

1. 1. prenominal about to be mentioned, specified, etc

      the following items

   2. ( as noun )

      will the following please raise their hands?

2. (of winds, currents, etc) moving in the same direction as the course of a vessel

noun

1. a group of supporters or enthusiasts

   he attracted a large following wherever he played

preposition

1. as a result of

   he was arrested following a tip-off

Usage

The use of following to mean as a result of is very common in journalism, but should be avoided in other kinds of writing

Other Words From

• non·follow·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of following¹

First recorded in 1250–1300, following is from the Middle English word folwing. See follow, -ing ¹, -ing ²

Example Sentences

Memers and meme pages have been able to leverage their massive followings massed on memes to create organically upstart brands.

From Digiday

Instead, we are likely to witness increased splintering as fresh ideas come to the fore, new platforms gain followings, and more people get online for the first time.

From MIT Technology Review

The creators who have built followings there feel that it is truly unique thanks to its communities, as well as the algorithms that can launch anyone into fame.

From MIT Technology Review

Now, as you’ve created opportunities for all teams to work together, you should find a way to answer the following question.

From Search Engine Watch

Roughly a year and a half ago, TikTok began paying some creators, including those with large followings on Instagram and YouTube, to post to its platform, said Neben.

From Digiday

In the last year, her fusion exercise class has attracted a cult following and become de rigueur among the celebrity set.

From The Daily Beast

Both Ney and Abramoff have reentered the public spotlight following their sentences, writing books about their experiences.

From The Daily Beast

I was pregnant, uncomfortably so, for the first time and with twins, due the following March.

From The Daily Beast

The following page details a tribute gag the Simpsons team inserted into the background of a scene.

From The Daily Beast

Following the Apatow references, Marge informs Homer that she needs to use the “Porta Potty.”

From The Daily Beast

There he gave orders for the car to be put into running condition for the following morning, and returned to the hotel.

From Project Gutenberg

Then, with one accord, they all rose and began to steer their way around the furniture toward the hall, Goliath following.

From Project Gutenberg

The fact that the day following the punishment parade was a Sunday brought about a certain relaxation from discipline.

From Project Gutenberg

At the lesson following he accordingly presented himself with his arm in a sling.

From Project Gutenberg

But, instead of following up their victory, the half-resolute rioters camped near Guadalupe for the night.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• coming
• consecutive
• ensuing
• subsequent
• succeeding
• successive