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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of flanker

First recorded in 1540–50; flank + -er ¹

Example Sentences

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

Kabeya's absence gives Bristol teenager Demelza Short, who made her Test debut in the second row against Scotland, a start at blindside flanker.

From BBC • May 5, 2026

Props MacKenzie Carson and Sarah Bern are promoted off the bench and into the starting line-up along with 113-cap flanker Marlie Packer.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

The Sarries flanker dropped the ball, and Cokanasiga and then Alfie Barbeary tore down the right wing to set up the Bath scrum-half, who raced in by the corner flag.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 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