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 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
flanked; flanking; flanks
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)
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
Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025
In a time when Jewish identity faces threats from so many flanks, very few high-profile people in entertainment — the same people often eager to lend their voice to other causes — seem compelled to come to its defense.
—Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Mar. 2025
Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Feb. 2025
Ester bonds are formed by linking two chains of carbon atoms by an oxygen atom, with one of the flanking carbons being linked to a second oxygen.
—John Timmer, Ars Technica, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for flank
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Noun
Rather than indulging delusions of European autonomy, Poland has solidified its partnership with the U.S., hosting American troops, covering its costs based on a unique Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement and advocating for NATO's reinforcement on its eastern flank.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025
In a time when Jewish identity faces threats from so many flanks, very few high-profile people in entertainment — the same people often eager to lend their voice to other causes — seem compelled to come to its defense.
—Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
The queue leading down into the theater weaves through the roots of the Tree of Life, and the carvings continue to be stunning (and sometimes flanked by waterfalls).
—Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Feb. 2025
Ester bonds are formed by linking two chains of carbon atoms by an oxygen atom, with one of the flanking carbons being linked to a second oxygen.
—John Timmer, Ars Technica, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for flank
Cite this Entry
“Flank.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flank. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
flank
1 of 2 noun1
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
b
: the right or left of a military formation
flank
2 of 2 verb1
: 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
: the fleshy part of the side between the ribs and the hip
broadly
: the side of a quadruped
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