English Reference

Word

follower

Phoneticsfol·low·er, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈfɑɫoʊɝ/

UK/fˈɒləʊɐ/

Definitions

01social media subscriber

A2 · Elementary Countable noun Computing

n. someone who chooses to see your posts and updates on a social media app.

n. a user who subscribes to another account's feed on a digital platform to receive regular content updates.

“She was excited because she gained over a hundred new followers after her video went viral.”

“The influencer's engagement rates remained high despite a slight dip in her total number of followers following the controversial post.”

Synonyms

02supporter of a leader or idea

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. a person who supports a leader, a religion, or a set of ideas.

n. an adherent or devotee who accepts the teachings or leadership of another person or movement.

“The philosopher had many loyal followers who travelled long distances to hear him speak.”

“The movement struggled to maintain its momentum once the core followers began to disagree on the interpretation of the original manifesto.”

Antonyms

03someone who follows behind

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a person who physically walks or travels behind someone else.

n. one who physically moves behind or pursues another person or entity.

“The king entered the hall with a long line of followers behind him.”

“The detective noticed a persistent follower in the reflection of the shop window, confirming his suspicion that he was being watched.”

Synonyms

pursuershadow

04mechanical part

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Science Technical

n. a part of a machine that is moved by another part.

n. a mechanical component that receives motion from another part, such as a cam.

“The cam pushes the follower up and down to open the valve.”

“Engineers must ensure the follower maintains constant contact with the cam profile to prevent mechanical vibration at high speeds.”

Antonyms

Etymology

From Middle English folwer, folwere, folewer, from Old English folgere (“follower; attendant; disciple”), equivalent to follow + -er. Cognate with Saterland Frisian Foulger, West Frisian folger, Dutch volger, German Folger, Swedish följare.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

NOUN

follower(B1)

PREPOSITION

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference