following

American  

[fol-oh-ing] / ˈfɒl oʊ ɪŋ /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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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

Etymology

Origin of following

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

Example Sentences

He has amassed a large and loyal following.

From BBC

The announcement soothed investor concerns following months of uncertainty over the progress of negotiations.

From The Wall Street Journal

“This is the most dangerous time in the bilateral relationship in the 40-plus years I’ve been following Iran,” said Alan Eyre, a former senior U.S. diplomat and nuclear negotiator with Iran.

From The Wall Street Journal

"My message is clear, if foreign governments refuse to accept the return of their citizens, then they will face consequences," she said following the agreement.

From BBC

California home insurance premiums have been rising by double-digit rates following a series of devastating wildfires across the state over the last decade.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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