flanker

[ flang-ker ]

noun

1. a person or thing that flanks.
2. Military. one of a body of soldiers placed on the flank of an army to guard a line of march.
3. Fortification. a fortification projecting so as to defend another work or to command the flank of an assailing body.
4. Football.
   1. Also called flankerback. an offensive back who lines up outside of an end.
   2. split end.

flanker

/ ˈflæŋkə /

noun

1. one of a detachment of soldiers detailed to guard the flanks, esp of a formation
2. a projecting fortification, used esp to protect or threaten a flank
3. rugby a wing forward

Word History and Origins

Origin of flanker¹

First recorded in 1540–50; flank + -er ¹

Example Sentences

New Zealand flanker Dalton Papali'i had just picked off his pass and cantered in to give New Zealand a seven-point head start.

From BBC

Aaron Reed scored twice in three minutes to push Scotland beyond the half-century mark before teenage flanker, Freddy Douglas, became the youngest Scotland debutant in more than 60 years.

From BBC

The flanker missed the 2024 Six Nations because of a knee problem and the summer tour as a result of a hamstring injury.

From BBC

Lock Williamson suffered a hand injury after coming on as an early replacement following Scott Cummings' red card, while flanker Brown, who did not feature at Murrayfield, has a rib injury.

From BBC

Borthwick confirmed flanker Tom Curry, who suffered a first-half head knock, will miss next Saturday's visit of world champions South Africa.

From BBC