Fan — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈfan/

Meaning & Definition of Fan

Fan (noun)

  1. any of various devices for winnowing grain
  2. an instrument for producing a current of air
  3. a device that is held in the hand and moved back and forth to cool a person and that is usually shaped like a segment of a circle and composed of material (such as feathers or paper) mounted on thin rods or slats moving about a pivot so that the device may be closed compactly when not in use
  4. an enthusiastic devotee (as of a sport or a performing art) usually as a spectator
  5. an ardent admirer or enthusiast (as of a celebrity or a pursuit)

Fan (verb)

  1. to drive away the chaff of (grain) by means of a current of air
  2. to eliminate (chaff) by winnowing
  3. to move or impel (air) with a fan

Fan (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a person with a strong and habitual liking for something

    "lifelong fans of country and western music"

    opposite: nonfan

Fan (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in ignite, trigger

  2. as in swing, sway

Related Entry: Fan (out) (verb)

Fan (out) is a different word from Fan. The synonyms below are for fan (out), not for fan.

  1. to arrange the parts of (something) over a wider area

    "the accordionist smoothly fanned out the bellows of his instrument as he played"

    related: overspread
    opposite: close, contract, fold
  2. to extend outwards from or as if from a central point

    "most of the city's subway lines fan out from this central station"

    similar: branch, radiate, ray

Related Entry: Hit (verb)

Hit is a different word from Fan. The synonyms below are for hit, not for fan.

  1. to deliver a blow to (someone or something) usually in a strong vigorous manner

    "a good carpenter hits a nail just two or three times to drive it in"

  2. to come into usually forceful contact with something

    "when she fell on the ice, she hit hard and badly bruised her elbow"

    near: miss, skirt
  3. to obtain (as a goal) through effort

    "the rock band hit the big time with their third album"

Related Entry: Hit (on or upon) (verb)

Hit (on or upon) is a different word from Fan. The synonyms below are for hit (on or upon), not for fan.

  1. to come upon after searching, study, or effort

    "the doctor finally hit on what was wrong with the pain-wracked woman"

    opposite: miss, overlook, pass over

Related Entry: Hit (up) (verb)

Hit (up) is a different word from Fan. The synonyms below are for hit (up), not for fan.

  1. to make a request of

    "she's always hitting me up for money"

Related Entry: Hit (upon) (verb)

Hit (upon) is a different word from Fan. The synonyms below are for hit (upon), not for fan.

  1. to come upon unexpectedly or by chance

    "the popular belief that Sir Isaac Newton hit upon his understanding of gravity at the sight of an apple falling from a tree"

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Fan

The most common words with a similar meaning to Fan:

Informal: maniac

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Fan

Words with the opposite meaning of Fan:

Near Antonyms of Fan

Word Forms of Fan

Inflections: fanned, fanning

Derived words: fanlike (adjective), fanner (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Fan

Middle English, from Old English fann, from Latin vannus winnow

First known use: before 12th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Fan

Words & Phrases Containing Fan

Frequently Asked Questions about Fan

What does "Fan" mean?

"Fan" means any of various devices for winnowing grain. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: any of various devices for winnowing grain. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Fan"?

Other words for "Fan" include addict, aficionado, buff, bug, devotee, enthusiast, fanatic and fancier. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Fan" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Fan"?

There are 129 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Fan". Common alternatives include addict, aficionado, buff, bug, devotee, enthusiast, fanatic, fancier, fiend and fool.

What is the opposite of "Fan"?

Antonyms of "Fan" include nonfan, calm, soothe, subdue, tranquilize, appease, mollify and pacify. Near antonyms include nonadmirer, belittler, carper and critic.

How do you use "Fan" in a sentence?

Examples of "Fan" in a sentence: "lifelong fans of country and western music".

Is "Fan" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Fan" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Fan" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A1-level word, "Fan" is typical of Cambridge A1 Movers (Young Learners), TOEIC Listening & Reading 120+.

How do you pronounce "Fan"?

"Fan" is pronounced /ˈfan/.