Following

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /ˈfÉ’ləʊɪŋ/
• GenAm IPA: /ˈfÉ‘loʊɪŋ/
• Hyphenation: fol + low + ing

Full definition of following

Adjective

1. Coming next, either in sequence or in time.
   See the following section.
• 1835, Sir John Ross, Sir James Clark Ross, Narrative of a Second Voyage in Search of a North-west Passage …, Volume 1, pp.284-5Towards the following morning, the thermometer fell to 5°; and at daylight, there was not an atom of water to be seen in any direction.
2. About to be specified.
   The following words have no definition...
3. (of a wind) Blowing in the direction of travel.
   The following wind sped us on our way.

Usage notes

(Senses 1, 2) When it modifies a noun phrase, it is generally preceded by the definite article the, and the combination functions as a determiner rather than a simple adjective. You can put it before a cardinal like the following two remarks instead of the two following remarks.

Antonyms

• abovementioned
• aforementioned
• aforesaid

Preposition

1. After, subsequent to. Following the meeting, we all had a chat.

Noun

1. A group of followers, attendants or admirers; an entourage.He had a loyal following.
• 2011, September 29, Jon Smith, Tottenham 3 - 1 Shamrock Rovers, And White Hart Lane was stunned when Rovers scored just five minutes after the restart in front of their away following.
2. Something to be mentioned immediately later. Used with the definite article the.The following is a recommendation letter from the president.
3. Vocation; business; profession.