Fandom
/ˈfæn.dəm/noun
The collective fans of a particular person, work, or topic, or the culture they create.
Did you know?“Fandom” is a 20th-century blend of fan + -dom, and the -dom ending comes from Old English, where it meant a realm, state, or condition—so the word literally frames devotion as a kind of kingdom.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
-dōm
“A state, condition, rank, authority, or domain”
Middle English
English
dom
“A suffix used to form nouns meaning state, condition, or jurisdiction”
19th Century
English
fan
“A shortened form of fanatic, meaning an enthusiastic devotee”
Early 20th Century
English
fandom
“The collective body or community of fans”
Modern English
English
fandom
“The fans and culture surrounding a person, work, or topic”