Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Flanker: meaning, definitions and examples

🏉
Add to dictionary

flanker

 

[ ˈflæŋ.kər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

rugby

A player positioned on the outside of the scrum or line-out in rugby, typically used for their speed and agility to outflank the opposition.

Synonyms

flank forward, loose forward, wing forward.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
flanker

Often used in rugby to refer to a position in the forwards, specifically on the sides of the scrum. This player is crucial in both defense and attack.

  • The flanker broke through the defense with an impressive sprint.
  • He's known to be one of the best flankers in the league.
wing forward

Primarily used in historical or specific rugby jargon referring to a position similar to a modern flanker, focusing on quick, agile movements on the wing.

  • In classic rugby matches, the wing forward played a crucial role in attacks.
  • The old coach still prefers using the term wing forward for his players.
loose forward

Used in rugby to describe a player who is part of the back row, known for being versatile in both defensive and offensive plays. It often implies flexibility in positioning and roles on the field.

  • As a loose forward, he excels in both tackling and carrying the ball.
  • She was praised for her dynamic performance as a loose forward.
flank forward

Less commonly used, but it indicates a player in rugby who operates on the flanks or sides of the scrum, focusing on running and supporting the team in attacking moves.

  • A good flank forward must have excellent stamina and speed.
  • The team's strategy revolves around their strong flank forwards.

Examples of usage

  • He was a skilled flanker, always ready to support his teammates in attack.
  • The team's flanker managed to break through the defensive line and score a try.
Context #2 | Noun

military

A soldier or military unit placed on the sides of a formation, used to protect the main body from flanking attacks.

Synonyms

defender, guard, protector.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
flanker

Often used in sports, particularly in rugby or American football, to describe a player positioned at the side of the main group who can move quickly to support both offense and defense.

  • The flanker moved quickly to intercept the pass
  • The coach praised the flanker for his agility and game awareness
guard

Used to describe someone who watches over something to protect it, common in security contexts or in sports like basketball where a player protects the court.

  • The night guard ensured that no one entered the building after hours
  • The guard played a crucial role in preventing the opposing team from scoring
defender

Commonly used in sports and law enforcement contexts to describe someone who protects a goal or a position from opponents.

  • The defender blocked the shot and saved the team
  • In court, the public defender argued for the defendant's innocence
protector

Often used in a broad sense to describe someone who looks after and defends others, can be used in both personal and legal contexts.

  • As a protector of wildlife, she dedicated her life to conservation efforts
  • He acted as a protector for his younger siblings after their parents passed away

Examples of usage

  • The flankers moved quickly to secure the perimeter and prevent any surprise attacks.
  • The commander deployed the flankers to cover the left and right sides of the advancing troops.

Translations

Translations of the word "flanker" in other languages:

🇵🇹 flanqueador

🇮🇳 फ्लैंकर

🇩🇪 Flügelstürmer

🇮🇩 pemain sayap

🇺🇦 фланговий гравець

🇵🇱 skrzydłowy

🇯🇵 フランカー

🇫🇷 ailier

🇪🇸 ala

🇹🇷 kanat oyuncusu

🇰🇷 플랭커

🇸🇦 جناح

🇨🇿 křídelník

🇸🇰 krídelník

🇨🇳 侧翼

🇸🇮 krilni igralec

🇮🇸 vængmaður

🇰🇿 қанатшы

🇬🇪 ფლანგერი

🇦🇿 qanad oyunçusu

🇲🇽 ala

Etymology

The term 'flanker' originated in the 19th century in the context of military tactics, referring to soldiers positioned on the sides of a formation to protect against flanking attacks. The term was later adopted in sports such as rugby to describe players in similar positions. The concept of 'flanking' has always been associated with strategic positioning and maneuvering to gain an advantage over the opponent.

See also: outflank.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,098, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.