What does fellow mean?
"Fellow" is a noun with several related senses, all rooted in the idea of shared association. Most broadly, it refers to a person — usually a man or boy — as in "a friendly fellow." It also denotes a companion or peer: one's fellows are those who share one's work, circumstances, or pursuits, as in "fellow travelers" or "her fellow students." In academia and professional life, the word takes on a more formal meaning, designating a member of a college's governing body, an elected member of a learned society, or someone awarded a fellowship to pursue research. Historically colorful, the word derives from Old Norse félagi, literally "one who lays down property together with you," combining fé (cattle, wealth) and lag (a laying down) — so a fellow was originally a partner in a joint venture. Today it ranges from warm and colloquial to institutional and formal, making it a versatile word for describing both individuals and relationships.
A man or boy; a person, especially when regarded with a particular quality or feeling.
"The old fellow greeted us with a toothless grin."
Almost always preceded by an adjective or determiner in this sense; a bare 'fellow' for 'man' sounds dated.
An associate, companion, or peer who shares an activity, profession, or circumstance with others.
"He was respected by his fellows in the legal profession."
A member of the governing body of a college, an elected member of a learned society, or a holder of an academic fellowship.
"She was elected a fellow of the Royal Society last year."
Sharing a specified status, activity, or attribute with someone else; belonging to the same group (attributive use).
"His fellow passengers rushed to help after the accident."
Regular plural. In academic contexts, 'fellows' specifically denotes members of a college or society; in the general sense of companions it often appears after possessives ('my fellows') though this usage is now somewhat literary.
"The fellows of the college dine together each evening during term."
"Fellow" literally means "one who lays down property with you" — in Old Norse, putting your cattle (fé) into the same pile (lag) made you partners, so every friendship began as a business deal.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of fellow
"Fellow" comes from Old Norse félagi, meaning a partner or comrade, formed from fé (meaning cattle or property, reflecting an era when livestock was wealth) and lag (a laying or placing together). The word entered English during the period of Viking settlement, appearing in Old English as fēolaga. Its original sense of a business partner or member of a joint venture broadened over time to mean any companion or associate, and later simply a person. English cognates from the same Germanic root for property include "fee" and "feud" (in its legal sense of a heritable estate).
Related word forms
How fellow is actually used
When modified by an adjective ('a nice fellow', 'a poor fellow'), the word carries warmth or sympathy; unmodified, it can sound slightly old-fashioned or literary. The plural 'fellows' in the sense of companions often follows another noun or determiner ('my fellows', 'his fellow workers' uses the attributive singular). In American informal speech, 'fellow' as a generic term for a man has largely been replaced by 'guy', giving it a somewhat formal, quaint, or affectionate flavor today.
Easily confused with fellow
"Fellow" means a person or companion, while "fallow" describes farmland deliberately left unplanted to restore its fertility.