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
Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Democrats have had a wide array of reactions to the results—progressives like Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez cheered on Mamdani, and his victory is one of the most significant ones for the party's left flank in recent years.
—Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 30 June 2025
He is flanked by a young QB who is looking to make a name for himself and isn't scared to let the ball fly.
—Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for flank
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
Its combination of meaty flanks and sweeping roofline gives the SUV a sporty look without compromising interior space.
—Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Democrats have had a wide array of reactions to the results—progressives like Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez cheered on Mamdani, and his victory is one of the most significant ones for the party's left flank in recent years.
—Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
Verb
There are also formal living and dining rooms, a bar area, a library flanked by offices, and a posh primary suite flaunting a private patio, sitting room, and deluxe bath with a sauna, steam room, and huge freestanding tub.
—Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 30 June 2025
He is flanked by a young QB who is looking to make a name for himself and isn't scared to let the ball fly.
—Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 June 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 5 Jul. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share