English Reference
noun · adjective

fellow

n. · adj.
US /ˈfɛɫoʊ/ UK /fˈɛləʊ/ fel·low UK spelling fellow's, fellow's, fellowed, fellowing

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    n.a way to refer to a man or boy. You might use this to be polite, slightly old-fashioned, or friendly.

    n.a male person; used as a synonym for 'man', 'guy', or 'chap'. Often carries a slightly formal or old-fashioned tone depending on the region.

    Simple

    He seems like a very kind young fellow who is always willing to help.

    In context

    The elderly fellow at the corner shop has been a fixture of this neighbourhood for over forty years.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.used to describe people who are in the same situation as you or share your job.

    adj.denoting a person in the same position, involved in the same activity, or otherwise associated with the speaker or subject.

    Simple

    She wanted to discuss the new rules with her fellow students after class.

    In context

    The lead researcher urged his fellow scientists to remain objective despite the surprising preliminary results of the clinical trial.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced AcademicFormal

    n.a member of a university or a group of learned people who do research together.

    n.a member of a learned society or a senior member of a college or university, often involved in research or teaching.

    Simple

    She was elected as a fellow of the Royal Society for her work in physics.

    In context

    After completing his doctorate, he was invited to stay on as a research fellow to continue his investigation into renewable energy.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced Literary

    n.a person who is your companion or someone who is equal to you in rank.

    n.a companion, comrade, or peer; one who belongs to the same class or group as another.

    Simple

    He felt a deep connection to his fellows who had survived the long journey.

    In context

    The poet wrote extensively about the shared struggles of his fellows during the industrial revolution.

  5. 05 C2 Proficiency Archaic

    n.one of a pair of things that match or go together.

    n.one of a pair of matching or complementary objects; a counterpart.

    Simple

    I found one glove in the drawer, but I cannot find its fellow anywhere.

    In context

    The antique vase was missing its fellow, which had reportedly been lost during the family's move across the Atlantic.

Usage fellow members

She appeared in a number of Bristol Old Vic productions in the 1950s, and it was there she met Eric Thompson, a fellow actor, whom she married in 1957.

The Guardian· 18 Aug 2026

The way death is dealt with is very important in Zambia, said Christopher Vandome, a senior research fellow at the thinktank Chatham House.

The Guardian· 13 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated