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 Word Forms

• nonfollowing 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

So how did the Earwigs gain this unlikely cult following unbeknown to its founding member?

From Los Angeles Times

The coffin will remain in the Lady Chapel overnight, before the funeral the following day.

From BBC

The British-Indian - following a promotion from managing director to chief executive - led Arsenal through the uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic.

From BBC

The 45-year-old quit as deputy prime minister, housing secretary and deputy Labour Party leader on Friday, following an official probe into the admission.

From BBC

Immigrants, most of whom had been following the rules to adjust, maintain or gain legal status, were arrested and detained.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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