Pronunciation

/fæn/

Definitions

• Noun: 1. A device or machine that creates a current of air by rotating blades, typically used to cool people or to circulate air in a room. Example: “She switched on the electric fan to cool down the room.”

  • 2. A person who is very enthusiastic about and devoted to a particular sports team, celebrity, musician, or other form of entertainment. Example: “He’s a die-hard football fan and never misses a game.”
  • 3. (informal) A devotee or enthusiast of a particular activity or field; often used in combination. Example: “She’s a huge fantasy book fan.”

• Verb (usually in the form ‘to fan something’): 1. To move or spread out (something, such as air or light) with a sweeping motion or by waving something back and forth. Example: “She fanned the smoke away from her face.”

  • 2. To stimulate or increase the intensity of (a feeling or emotion). Example: “The hot weather fanned the flames of their anger.”
  • 3. (informal) To follow or support enthusiastically; be a fan of. Example: “He’s been fanning the band since their first album.”

Phrases

• “Fan club”: An organized group of fans who regularly gather to celebrate or promote a certain celebrity, team, or interest.
• “Fan the flames”: To stir up or intensify a situation, usually referring to emotions or conflict.
• “Die-hard fan”: A person with an intense, unwavering loyalty or enthusiasm towards something or someone.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “During the summer months, a ceiling fan can greatly improve indoor comfort levels.”
• Verb: “The actress’s arrival caused a frenzy, with photographers frantically fanning their cameras to capture the perfect shot.”
• As a verb in informal use: “Ever since seeing his first live concert, he’s been fanning that band all over social media.”

Synonyms

• (for noun definition related to cooling device): Air conditioner, ventilator, blower
• (for noun definition related to enthusiast): Admirer, devotee, buff, aficionado
• (as a verb): Cool, blow, ventilate, excite, encourage