1
a
: the fleshy part of the side between the ribs and the hip
b
: a cut of meat from this part of an animal see beef illustration
2
a
: side
the eastern flank of a volcano
b
: the right or left of a formation
attacked the enemy on both flanks
3
: the area along either side of a heraldic shield
flanked; flanking; flanks
1
a
: to be situated at the side of
especially
: to be situated on both sides of
a road flanked with linden trees
b
: to place something on each side of
2
: to protect a flank of
3
: to attack or threaten the flank of (as a body of troops)
Synonyms
Examples of flank in a Sentence
Noun
She gently patted the horse's flank.
They attacked the enemy on both flanks.
the eastern flank of a volcano
Verb
the guards flank the center on a football team's offensive line
Recent Examples on the Web
Lawrence Andrea, Journal Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2024
In what appears to be a move to placate his right flank, Johnson announced the House will also vote on a separate bill that resembles Republicans’ sweeping, hardline immigration and border legislation known as H.R. 2.
—USA TODAY, 17 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for flank 
Noun
Johnson, however, has faced threats from his far right flank to oust him from his role should be move forward on additional funding to Ukraine.
—Lawrence Andrea, Journal Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2024
In what appears to be a move to placate his right flank, Johnson announced the House will also vote on a separate bill that resembles Republicans’ sweeping, hardline immigration and border legislation known as H.R. 2.
—USA TODAY, 17 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for flank
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'flank.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near flank
Cite this Entry
“Flank.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flank. Accessed 3 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
flank
1 of 2 noun1
a
: the fleshy part of the side between the ribs and the hip
b
: a cut of meat from this part of an animal
2
b
: the right or left of a military formation
flank
2 of 2 verb1
: to be located at the side of : border
2
: to protect a flank of
3
: to attack or threaten the flank of (as a body of troops)
Medical Definition
flank
noun
: the fleshy part of the side between the ribs and the hip
broadly
: the side of a quadruped
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