Definition

1. Noun:
   • A soldier positioned to protect the side of a military unit: A flanker is a member of a military detachment assigned to guard the flanks (the sides) of a formation from enemy attack or observation.
   • An offensive back in American or Canadian football: A flanker is an offensive player (a back) who lines up wide of the formation, just outside the end of the offensive line, and is often used as a primary pass receiver.

Examples

• Noun (Military):

  • The general ordered the flankers to advance and secure the ridge on our left side.
  • During the march, the flankers were vigilant, watching for any ambush from the woods.

• Noun (Sports - Football):

  • The quarterback threw a perfect spiral to the open flanker for a touchdown.
  • Their star flanker is known for his speed and ability to catch difficult passes.

Advanced Usage

• "To act as a flanker": To take on the role of protecting a side or operating from a wide position.
  • In the drill, Private Jones will act as a flanker for our squad.
• "Flanker back": A full term sometimes used in football to specify the position.
  • He played flanker back for the university team.

Variants and Related Words

• Flank (noun/verb): The side of something (e.g., a military formation or an animal's body) / to be situated at the side of.
  • The castle was vulnerable on its northern flank.
  • Infantry units flanked the main armored column.
• Flanking (adjective/gerund): Positioned on the side or involving an attack from the side.
  • The flanking maneuver caught the enemy by surprise.

Synonyms

• Military: Wing guard, sentinel (on the flank), scout.
• Sports (Football): Wide receiver, slot receiver (though specific positioning differs), pass catcher.

Related Phrases

• "Flanker route" (Sports): A specific pass-running pattern in football.
  • The play design called for the flanker to run a deep post route.
• "Flanking position" (Military/Tactics): A location on the side of an enemy force.
  • The platoon moved into a flanking position to attack the enemy's weak side.

Noun

1. a soldier who is a member of a detachment assigned to guard the flanks of a military formation
2. a back stationed wide of the scrimmage line; used as a pass receiver