following

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   immediately following in time or order

   It happened the following day.

2. 2
   adj

   going or proceeding or coming after in the same direction

   The crowd of following cars made the occasion seem like a parade.

3. 3
   adj

   Coming next, either in sequence or in time.

   See the following section.

4. 4
   adj

   About to be specified.

   The following words have no definition[…]

5. 5
   adj

   Blowing in the direction of travel, as opposed to headwind; downwind.

   The following wind sped us on our way.

6. 6
   prep

   After, subsequent to.

   Following the meeting, we all had a chat.

7. 7
   prep

   In accordance with; as per.

   Following all relevant safety instructions, administer a dose of the corticosteroid.

8. 8
   noun

   A group of followers, attendants or admirers; an entourage.

   He had a loyal following.

Etymology

By surface analysis, follow + -ing.