flank

1 of 2

noun

ˈflaŋk 

1

a

: the fleshy part of the side between the ribs and the hip

broadly : the side of a quadruped

She gently patted the horse's flank.

b

: a cut of meat from this part of an animal see beef illustration

2

a

: side

the eastern flank of a volcano

b

: the right or left of a formation

attacked the enemy on both flanks

3

: the area along either side of a heraldic shield

flank

2 of 2

verb

flanked; flanking; flanks

transitive verb

1

a

: to be situated at the side of

especially : to be situated on both sides of

a road flanked with linden trees

b

: to place something on each side of

2

: to protect a flank of

3

: to attack or threaten the flank of (as a body of troops)

Synonyms

Noun

• hand
• side

Verb

• abut
• adjoin
• border (on)
• butt (on or against)
• fringe
• join
• march (with)
• neighbor
• skirt
• touch
• verge (on)

Examples of flank in a Sentence

Noun

She gently patted the horse's flank.

They attacked the enemy on both flanks.

the eastern flank of a volcano

Verb

the guards flank the center on a football team's offensive line

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Many Israelis interpreted the cabinet vote as Netanyahu deciding to destroy the possibility of a deal, indicating his preference for continued war in Gaza as a way to maintain the support of the government’s far-right flank. —Mairav Zonszein, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2024

Pacing in a state of agitation, its flanks heave with every breath and its mouth drips with saliva. —David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Sep. 2024

Verb

To optimize the duo's playmaking capabilities, the franchise clearly decided to flank them with shooters, as to provide them with a ton of space. —Morten Stig Jensen, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024

Another Buffett buddy, James Taylor, eulogized the irreplaceable musician, who died in September 2023, and then moved to the performance stage, flanked by Kenny Chesney and renowned session guitarist/producer Mac McAnally, also a longtime member of Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band. —Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 20 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

Middle English, from Old French flanc, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German hlanca loin, flank — more at lank

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing flank

• flank steak

Kids Definition

flank

1 of 2 noun

ˈflaŋk 

1

a

: the fleshy part of the side between the ribs and the hip

b

: a cut of meat from this part of an animal

2

a

: side entry 1 sense 2

b

: the right or left of a military formation

flank

2 of 2 verb

1

: to be located at the side of : border

2

: to protect a flank of

3

: to attack or threaten the flank of (as a body of troops)

Medical Definition

flank

noun

ˈflaŋk 

: the fleshy part of the side between the ribs and the hip

broadly : the side of a quadruped