flank

[ flangk ]

noun

1. the side of an animal or a person between the ribs and hip.
2. the thin piece of flesh constituting this part.
3. a slice of meat from the flank of an animal.
4. the side of anything, as of a building.
5. Military, Navy. the extreme right or left side of an army or fleet, or a subdivision of an army or fleet.
6. Fortification.
   1. the right or left side of a work or fortification.
   2. the part of a bastion that extends from the curtain to the face and protects the curtain and the opposite face.
7. Machinery. (on a screw thread or the like) either of the two vertical inclined surfaces between the crest and the root.

verb (used with object)

1. to stand or be placed or posted at the flank or side of.

   Synonyms: border, skirt, edge, line

2. to defend or guard at the flank.
3. Military. to menace or attack the flank of.
4. to pass around or turn the flank of.

verb (used without object)

1. to occupy a position at the flank or side.
2. to present the flank or side.

flank

/ flæŋk /

noun

1. the side of a man or animal between the ribs and the hip
2. (loosely) the outer part of the human thigh
3. a cut of beef from the flank
4. the side of anything, such as a mountain or building
5. the side of a naval or military formation

verb

1. whenintr, often foll by on or upon to be located at the side of (an object, building, etc)
2. military to position or guard on or beside the flank of (a formation, etc)
3. military to move past or go round (a flank)

Other Words From

• un·flank verb (used with object)
• well-flanked adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of flank¹

before 1100; Middle English; late Old English flanc < Old French < Frankish; compare Old High German hlanca loin

Word History and Origins

Origin of flank¹

C12: from Old French flanc , of Germanic origin

Example Sentences

While it's a tactic that the GOP has also used to prop up candidates on the opponents' left flank, Democrats have not used that as a basis to challenge an election result.

From Salon

Brighton’s strategy of attacking City’s right flank looked like a deliberate ploy, with 44.9% of their attacks targeting that wing as opposed to 26.9% on the left.

From BBC

In the course of this season, 38.7% of attacks have come down City’s right flank compared to 36% on the left.

From BBC

“The anti-woke flank of the new fascism is being driven almost exclusively by comics, my peers,” he wrote.

From Salon

So, because John McGinn was so willing to help Matty Cash out on that flank, Son Heung-min was forced inside where Villa had even more numbers.

From BBC