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

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

The versatile Chessum, 25, started the first three games of England's campaign in the second row but will add weight, ball-carrying power and a useful line-out option as blind-side flanker.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

Mee, 22, is one of three starting changes from the 26-23 defeat by Scotland with fly-half Dan Edwards and flanker James Botham coming in for the injured Sam Costelow and Taine Plumtree.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 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

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