26984 words

flank

9 definitions • 15 examples
1
the area of the body between the ribs and the hips of an animal or a person:

Examples:

He was experiencing a sharp pain in his flank.
She dug her heels into the horse's flanks, urging it on.
2
the side of something, especially a mountain or hill:

Examples:

right/left flank
A small group of houses clings to the eastern flank of the mountain.
3
one side of an army during a battle:

Examples:

right flank The cavalry made a decisive attack on the right flank.
left flank He observed that the general's troops were vulnerable on the left flank.
With both flanks exposed, the troops turned and fled.
4
in team sports such as football, a part of the playing area near to one of the sidelines, or the players or part of the team that play in this area:

Examples:

left flank She prefers to play as a centre-forward, but has also flourished on the left flank.
right flank His long run down the right flank set up Greece's only corner kick.
The winger says he does not mind switching flanks to make room for the new signing.
5
in rugby, a playing position on one side of the scrum (= a group of players from each team who come together with their heads down and arms joined trying to take control of the ball):

Examples:

blind-side flank Jones will play on the blind-side flank.
open-side flank The team benefited from outstanding performances on the open-side flank.
6
to be at the side of someone or something:

Examples:

7
to be at the side of someone or something:

Examples:

8
the side of something:

Examples:

Troops attacked the enemy’s left flank.
9
A person’s or animal’s flanks are the sides of its body between the ribs and the hips.

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