follow-up

American  

[fol-oh-uhp] / ˈfɒl oʊˌʌp /

noun

1. the act of following up.

2. an action or thing that serves to increase the effectiveness of a previous one, as a second or subsequent letter, phone call, or visit.

3. Also called follow.  Journalism.

   1. a news story providing additional information on a story or article previously published.

   2. Also called supplementary story.  Also called sidebar.  a minor news story used to supplement a related story of major importance.

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adjective

1. designed or serving to follow up, especially to increase the effectiveness of a previous action.

   a follow-up interview; a follow-up offer.

2. of or relating to action that follows an initial treatment, course of study, etc..

   follow-up care for mental patients; a follow-up survey.

follow up British  

verb

1. to pursue or investigate (a person, evidence, etc) closely

2. to continue (action) after a beginning, esp to increase its effect

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noun

1. 1. something done to reinforce an initial action

   2. ( as modifier )

      a follow-up letter

2. med a routine examination of a patient at various intervals after medical or surgical treatment

follow up Idioms  

1. Carry to completion. For example, I'm following up their suggestions with concrete proposals . Also see follow through .

2. Increase the effectiveness or enhance the success of something by further action. For example, She followed up her interview with a phone call . [Late 1700s]

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Etymology

Origin of follow-up

First recorded in 1920–25; noun, adj. use of verb phrase follow up

Example Sentences

Her 2024 follow-up, “Real Americans,” sparked a 17-way bidding war for what this paper called “a disorienting, masterful, shape-shifting novel about multiracial identity.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

Does your follow-up email match the persona you conveyed in the interview room?

From MarketWatch • Apr. 11, 2026

The appointment was meant to be his first follow-up to review his medication and talk to a specialist.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

Public users start by typing in a strategy or investment thesis, then refine its parameters with follow-up questions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

And I was right there for the follow-up.

From "Patina" by Jason Reynolds