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

See Examples For:

flanker

England flanker Henry Pollock added to the decibels in the hours before Wednesday's match, with footage emerging of the 21-year-old back row taunting local football fans gathering for the match in Plaza de la Republica.

From BBC ● Jul. 16, 2026

After their most recent meeting – a 27-23 win for England at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium – Argentina coach Felipe Contepomi was involved in a confrontation with England flanker Tom Curry in the tunnel.

From BBC ● Jul. 16, 2026

Wales regrouped and inflicted some rare pressure as returning flanker Alex Mann dropped the ball over the Fiji line.

From BBC ● Jul. 4, 2026

Given her experience leading England to back-to-back Grand Slams in 2023 and 2024, the 115-cap flanker has found form that would make her worthy of inclusion in Bordeaux.

From BBC ● May 9, 2026

The Cowboys came right back, moving fifty-eight yards in a minute to tie the score, the touchdown coming on a seventeen- yard pass from quarterback Robert Hall to flanker Marcus Grant.

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