Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English - following

~1 adj 1 the following afternoon/month/page/chapter etc the next afternoon, month etc  (He was sick in the evening, but the following day he was better.) 2 the following example/way etc the example, way etc that will be mentioned next  (Payment may be made in any of the following ways)  (cheque, cash, or credit card.) 3 a following wind a wind that is blowing in the same direction as a ship, and helps it to move faster ~2 n 1 usually singular) a group of people who support or admire someone  (The band has a big following in Europe.) 2 the following the people or things that you are going to mention  (The following have been selected to play in tomorrow's game)  (Louise Carus, Fiona Douglas...)  (- see also following1) ~3 prep after an event or as a result of it  (Following the speech, there will be a few minutes for questions. | Thousands of refugees left the country following the outbreak of civil war.)