rank and file

noun

1

: the enlisted personnel of an armed force

2

: the individuals who constitute the body of an organization, society, or nation as distinguished from the leaders

rank-and-file

ˌraŋk-ᵊn-ˈfī(-ə)l 

adjective

rank and filer

ˌraŋk-ᵊn-ˈfī-lər 

noun

Synonyms

• commoners
• commons
• crowd
• herd
• hoi polloi
• mass
• millions
• mob
• multitude
• people
• plebeians
• plebs
• populace
• public

Examples of rank and file in a Sentence

the chosen few might have the opportunity for a trip in the space shuttle, but it will be a while before the rank and file are taking space trips

Recent Examples on the Web

This is the case with most labor unions: The Democrats portray themselves as the party of organized labor, yet the majority of rank and file is in Trump's camp, even as the national leadership continues to endorse the Democratic candidate. —Nina Turner, Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2024

Faced with the union’s demand of 40%, Boeing offered 25% (an amount originally accepted by IAM leadership) which was turned down almost unanimously by rank and file. —Jerrold Lundquist, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024

But some rank and file auto workers also held a pro-Trump rally. —ABC News, 3 Nov. 2024

Since 2019, Nvidia’s stock has soared 3,000% — minting millionaires among its rank and file. —Allison Morrow, CNN, 5 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

rank and file

noun

1

: the enlisted persons of one of the armed forces

2

: the ordinary members that make up the body of a group when considered apart from the leaders

Legal Definition

rank and file

noun

: the general membership of a union