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

Italy were superior in the aerial battle in the opening quarter, but Wales were lifted by a rousing penalty, created by the chasing work of Rees-Zammit, Mee and flanker Alex Mann.

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026

Hooker Dan Sheehan and flanker Josh van der Flier also return to the pack as Ronan Kelleher and Nick Timoney drop to the bench.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

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

From BBC • Mar. 5, 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

I had the ball and was running downfield when I got caught up in a tackle from a flanker who was playing on Seanie s team.

From "Winger" by Andrew Smith