noun
Uncommon
flank
FLANGK
Flank (noun) means the side of a person, animal, or group. Example: “The horse's flank twitched at the fly.”
noun
1
The side of a person, animal, or group.
"The horse's flank twitched at the fly."
"Troops attacked the enemy's left flank."
"The runner felt a sharp pain in his right flank after the long race."
2
A cut of beef from the side of the animal, below the loin.
"The recipe calls for grilled flank steak, sliced thin."
verb
1
To be positioned on either side of something, or to move around the side of an opponent.
"Two guards flanked the entrance."
"The general ordered his troops to flank the enemy line."
"Tall trees flank the path leading up to the old farmhouse."
How to use flank
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe side of something (a body, a formation, a road), or to be positioned at/attack from that side.
Common pairings
flank steak
flank an army
flanked by
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Word forms
- Plural
- flanks
- Third person singular
- flanks
- Past tense
- flanked
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The horse's _____ twitched at the fly.
Etymology
From Old French flanc, of Germanic origin, related to a root meaning "to bend" — the same root behind lank.
Related words
Rhymes for flank
See all rhymes for flank →Frequently asked questions
What does “flank” mean?
The word “flank” means the side of a person, animal, or group. In plain terms, the side of something (a body, a formation, a road), or to be positioned at/attack from that side.
How do you pronounce “flank”?
“Flank” is pronounced FLANGK (/ˈfleɪ̯ŋk/ in IPA).
How do you use “flank” in a sentence?
Here is “flank” used in a sentence: “The horse's flank twitched at the fly.”
What is another word for “flank”?
Words with a similar meaning to “flank” include straddle.
What part of speech is “flank”?
Depending on how it is used, “flank” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “flank” come from?
The word “flank” comes from Old French. From Old French flanc, of Germanic origin, related to a root meaning "to bend" — the same root behind lank.
Is “flank” a common word?
“Flank” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “flank” have?
“Flank” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the side of a person, animal, or group.
What is the difference between flank steak and other cuts of beef?
Flank steak comes specifically from the flank, the side of the animal below the loin, and is a long, flat, lean cut. It is generally tougher than cuts from the loin or rib, so it is often marinated or cooked quickly over high heat.
What does it mean to "flank" someone in a tactical or military sense?
To flank someone means to move around their side rather than attacking head-on, outmaneuvering them instead of confronting them directly. It can also describe being positioned on either side of a person or object rather than moving.
Is "flank" only used for people and animals, or can groups be flanked too?
"Flank" can describe the side of a single person or animal, or the side of a larger group, such as an army's flank. In its verb form it can also mean two things standing on either side of something, like guards flanking a doorway.
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