the following
noun
: the following one or ones
—used to introduce a list, a quotation, etc.
The finalists are the following: Mary, James, and George.
The following are the times of departing trains: 2 p.m., 4 p.m., and 8 p.m.
Examples of the following in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Sunrise and sunset will be approximately one hour earlier the following morning than the day before, resulting in more morning light.
—
Jordan Green, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 8 Feb. 2026
The animal died of pneumonia the following year.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026
Status updates are published in the following week’s list.
—Ian Wheeler, Oc Register, 7 Feb. 2026
The fallout and controversy from the incident was huge and created an outsized interest in Paul McCartney’s halftime show the following year.
—David Hill, Rolling Stone, 6 Feb. 2026
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Jordan Green, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 8 Feb. 2026
The animal died of pneumonia the following year.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026
Status updates are published in the following week’s list.
—Ian Wheeler, Oc Register, 7 Feb. 2026
The fallout and controversy from the incident was huge and created an outsized interest in Paul McCartney’s halftime show the following year.
—David Hill, Rolling Stone, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the following
Cite this Entry
“The following.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20following. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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