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

He was taken off air on 30 June 2023 following a heated conversation with his manager, when they discussed his use of social media.

Read more on BBC

With the streets in chaos, they could not get to a hospital until the following day.

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Franco had denied murder but was found guilty by a jury on Thursday, following a six-day trial at Leeds Crown Court.

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The following month, Maxim was seen alone in another video and appeared to be bandaged up.

Read more on BBC

“The following examples apply if you earned the taxable maximum in each year beginning at age 22 and start receiving benefits in 2025,” it adds.

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

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