# flank

/ˈfɫæŋk/ (US) · /flˈæŋk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/flank
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. side of the body

noun · CEFR B2

the side of a person's or animal's body between the ribs and the hip.

For teachers: the lateral part of the body between the last rib and the hip.

- The horse had a small white patch on its left flank.
- The patient complained of a sharp, localized pain in her right flank, suggesting a potential issue with the kidney.

### 2. military side

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the right or left side of a group of soldiers or a sports team.

For teachers: the extreme left or right edge of a military formation, army, or sports field.

- The fast runner moved down the left flank to cross the ball into the box.
- The general ordered a surprise attack on the enemy's weakened eastern flank to break their defensive line.

### 3. cut of meat

noun · CEFR B2

a cut of beef from the side of the cow, often used for grilling.

For teachers: a specific cut of meat from the abdominal muscles of an animal, typically lean and fibrous.

- We marinated the flank steak for three hours before putting it on the grill.
- Because flank is a relatively tough cut of meat, it should be sliced thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.

### 4. to be on the sides of

verb · CEFR B2

to be positioned on one or both sides of something or someone.

For teachers: to be situated at the side of; in the passive, to be bordered on either side.

- Two tall stone towers flank the entrance to the castle.
- The president walked toward the podium, flanked by security guards and senior advisors.

### 5. to move around the side

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to move around the side of an enemy to attack them from a weaker spot.

For teachers: to maneuver around the side of an opposing force so as to outflank or bypass their frontal defenses.

- The soldiers tried to flank the enemy instead of attacking from the front.
- By successfully flanking the opposing battalion, the troops were able to seize the hilltop without a direct confrontation.

### 6. maximum speed

adjective · CEFR C2 · American English · Technical

the fastest speed a ship can go, usually used in an emergency.

For teachers: referring to the maximum possible speed of a vessel, exceeding 'full speed'.

- The captain ordered flank speed to reach the sinking boat as fast as possible.
- The destroyer maintained flank speed for several hours during the pursuit, testing the limits of its propulsion system endurance.

Usage: Usually used in the phrase 'flank speed'.

## Examples

- The horse has a white patch on its left flank.
- The general ordered the cavalry to attack the enemy's weakened left flank to break their line.
- The hikers struggled to navigate the steep western flank of the mountain as the sun began to set behind the jagged peaks.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.