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

Kounde maintains his berth at right back as well, as does a shaky Gerard Martin on the other flank in defense because Alejandro Balde is unavailable. —Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024

Initial conversations are starting to take place on the left among political strategists, activists and sources close to lawmakers about who is poised to advocate for their flank in the coming Trump era. —Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 25 Nov. 2024

Verb

The focal point of the downstairs living area is a floor-to-ceiling fireplace, flanked by dramatic bookcases on either slide; the Mondrian sofa and a striking coffee table made of rare Saharan black marble are standout pieces that offer comfort and sophistication. —Emma Kershaw, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024

Theatre doyen and Lightroom founder Nicholas Hytner addressed the crowd assembled for the premiere of Inventing the Runway in King’s Cross on Thursday night, flanked by Anna Wintour, Mark Guiducci, Chioma Nnadi, and Cate Blanchett, who narrates the 50-minute exhibition. —Hayley Maitland, Vogue, 29 Nov. 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