flanker

American  

[flang-ker] / ˈflæŋ kər /

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.

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flanker British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of flanker

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

Example Sentences

"They had 10 minutes of madness," former Scotland flanker John Barclay told BBC Rugby Special.

From BBC • Mar. 9, 2026

He replaces Matt Fagerson at number eight, with Fagerson switching to blindside flanker.

From BBC • Mar. 5, 2026

The Force crossed for four tries from prop Harry Johnson-Holmes, openside flanker Carlo Tizzano, winger Bayley Kuenzle and fly-half Ben Donaldson.

From Barron's • Feb. 22, 2026

"There's probably a million things you can point to after a game -- and especially after a loss," said England flanker Underhill.

From Barron's • Feb. 22, 2026

He looked for flanker Robert Brown down the right sideline and threw the ball crossfield on a dime about forty yards.

From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger