flanker

noun

flank·​er ˈflaŋ-kər 

: a football player stationed wide of the formation slightly behind the line of scrimmage as a pass receiver

called also flanker back

Examples of flanker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Given a five-meter attacking scrum, New Zealand was steadfast and flanker Luke Jacobson scored by blasting through du Toit. — ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026

Johnson is versatile but seems at home at the Z or flanker position. — Rick Stroud, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026

For most fragrance houses, a successful men’s scent eventually becomes a collection of flankers. — Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 1 Aug. 2026

Adam Novotný, considered the top Czech talent in this class, is another flanker with perhaps a lower ceiling but a higher floor. — Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 25 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for flanker

• anchor
• anker
• banker
• canker
• hanker
• rancor
• shanker
• tanker

Kids Definition

flanker

noun

flank·​er ˈflaŋ-kər 

1

: one that flanks

2

: a football player stationed wide of the formation especially as a pass receiver