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

Flanker Tom Curry, a big-match staple, is on the bench.

From BBC • Feb. 14, 2026

Flanker Gary Graham, the son of former Scotland prop George Graham, grew up in Carlisle.

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2026

Flanker Harri Deaves will make his debut for Wales against New Zealand on Saturday as one of five changes to the side that beat Japan last week.

From Barron's • Nov. 20, 2025

Flanker Fraser McReight bundled over after a period of persistent pressure -- O'Connor added the extras to leave them just 19-14 down at the break.

From Barron's • Nov. 15, 2025

They sometimes spoke of him as the Grand Flanker.

From The Boys of '61 or, Four Years of Fighting, Personal Observations with the Army and Navy by Coffin, Charles Carleton