fan
fan
Fan (noun) means a device, hand-held or powered, that moves air to cool someone or something down. Example: “The small fan on my desk keeps me cool while I work.”
noun
1
A device, hand-held or powered, that moves air to cool someone or something down.
"The small fan on my desk keeps me cool while I work."
"She waved a paper fan to cool herself in the heat."
"Turn on the ceiling fan, it's stifling in here."
2
A person who admires and follows a performer, team, or interest closely.
"My sister is a devoted fan of the local football club."
"Fans queued for hours outside the theatre to see the band."
"He's a huge fan of classic horror films."
verb
1
To move air onto something using a fan or a waving motion, or to spread out in a fan shape.
"He fanned the glowing embers until the fire caught again."
"She fanned herself with a magazine."
"The cards fanned out across the table."
How to use fan
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither something that blows air to cool you down, or someone who's enthusiastic about a person, team, or hobby.
Common pairings
electric fan
die-hard fan
fan the flames
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Word forms
- Plural
- fans, fen
- Third person singular
- fans
- Past tense
- fanned
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The small _____ on my desk keeps me cool while I work.
Etymology
From Old English fann, "a winnowing fan," from Latin vannus, a tool used to toss grain into the air to separate it from chaff.
Synonyms
View more →
blower
ventilator
air circulator
extractor fan
winnow
admirer
aficionado
buff
connoisseur
enthusiast
devotee
maniac
Antonyms
anti-fan
hater
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “fan” mean?
The word “fan” means a device, hand-held or powered, that moves air to cool someone or something down. In plain terms, either something that blows air to cool you down, or someone who's enthusiastic about a person, team, or hobby.
How do you pronounce “fan”?
“Fan” is pronounced fan (/fæn/ in IPA).
How do you use “fan” in a sentence?
Here is “fan” used in a sentence: “She waved a paper fan to cool herself in the heat.”
What is another word for “fan”?
Words with a similar meaning to “fan” include admirer, aficionado, buff, connoisseur, enthusiast and devotee.
What is the opposite of “fan”?
The opposite of “fan” — its antonyms — are anti-fan and hater.
What part of speech is “fan”?
Depending on how it is used, “fan” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “fan” come from?
The word “fan” comes from Latin. From Old English fann, "a winnowing fan," from Latin vannus, a tool used to toss grain into the air to separate it from chaff.
Is “fan” a common word?
“Fan” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between a fan and an air conditioner?
A fan simply moves air around; it does not lower the room's temperature. An air conditioner actively removes heat and moisture, cooling the air itself. A fan makes you feel cooler by helping sweat evaporate, whereas an air conditioner genuinely chills the space, using far more energy.
How does a fan cool you down?
A fan doesn't cool the air — it moves it. The moving air sweeps away the warm, humid layer sitting on your skin and speeds up the evaporation of sweat, which carries heat away from your body. That is why a fan feels refreshing yet barely changes room temperature.
What are the types of fan?
Common powered types include ceiling fans, desk and pedestal fans, tower fans, box fans, and extractor or exhaust fans that pull stale air out of kitchens and bathrooms. Hand-held fans, whether folding paper ones or small battery models, move air the same way without a fixed motor.
Does the word 'fan' have another meaning?
Yes. Besides the air-moving device, 'fan' also means an enthusiastic admirer or supporter — a fan of a band or a football team. This sense is generally thought to be short for 'fanatic,' and is unrelated to the cooling device despite the identical spelling. Context makes the meaning clear.
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