Flank — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈflaŋk/

Meaning & Definition of Flank

Flank (noun)

  1. the fleshy part of the side between the ribs and the hip; broadly, the side of a quadruped
  2. a cut of meat from this part of an animal
  3. side

Flank (verb)

  1. to be situated at the side of; especially, to be situated on both sides of
  2. to place something on each side of
  3. to protect a flank of

Flank (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a place, space, or direction away from or beyond a central point or line

    "painted the name of the ship along its flank"

    similar: hand, side
    related: outside, face, top, bottom, foot, underbelly, underbody, underpart, underside, undersurface, lee, leeward, windward, left, right
    near: center, inside, interior, middle, midway

Flank (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to be adjacent to

    "the guards flank the center on a football team's offensive line"

    similar: abut, adjoin, border (on), butt (on or against), fringe, join, march (with), neighbor, skirt, touch, verge (on)
    related: attach (to), communicate (with), connect (with), link (with), bound, embrace, encircle, enclose, fence, line, margin, rim, surround, contact, converge, meet

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Flank

The most common words with a similar meaning to Flank:

hand, side, abut, adjoin, border (on), butt (on or against), fringe, join, march (with), neighbor, skirt, touch, verge (on)

Related Words for Flank

outside, face, top, bottom, foot, underbelly, underbody, underpart, underside, undersurface, lee, leeward, windward, left, right, attach (to), communicate (with), connect (with), link (with), bound, embrace, encircle, enclose, fence, line, margin, rim, surround, contact, converge

Near Antonyms of Flank

center, inside, interior, middle, midway

Word Forms of Flank

Inflections: flanked, flanking, flanks

Origin & Etymology of Flank

Middle English, from Old French flanc, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German hlanca loin, flank lank

First known use: before 12th century

Words & Phrases Containing Flank

flank steak

Frequently Asked Questions about Flank

What does "Flank" mean?

"Flank" means the fleshy part of the side between the ribs and the hip; broadly, the side of a quadruped. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: the fleshy part of the side between the ribs and the hip; broadly, the side of a quadruped. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Flank"?

Other words for "Flank" include hand, side, abut, adjoin, border (on), butt (on or against), fringe and join. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Flank" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Flank"?

There are 44 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Flank". Common alternatives include hand, side, abut, adjoin, border (on), butt (on or against), fringe, join, march (with) and neighbor.

How do you use "Flank" in a sentence?

Examples of "Flank" in a sentence: "painted the name of the ship along its flank"; "the guards flank the center on a football team's offensive line".

Is "Flank" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Flank" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Flank"?

"Flank" is pronounced /ˈflaŋk/.

What is the origin of the word "Flank"?

"Flank" comes from Middle English, from Old French flanc, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German hlanca loin, flank lank. First known use: before 12th century.

What is another word for "Flank" meaning "a place, space, or direction away from or beyond a central point or line"?

When "Flank" (noun) means a place, space, or direction away from or beyond a central point or line, synonyms include hand and side.