flanker

noun

flank·​er ˈflaŋ-kər How to pronounce flanker (audio)
: 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 Three-digits calls assign a single-digit apiece to the split end, tight end and flanker in that order. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Nov. 2023 If the scent is successful, a parade of flankers — new spins on the original scent — typically follows. Jihan Forbes, Allure, 21 Dec. 2023 The smooth flanker caught passes from Peyton’s dad, Archie Manning, with the New Orleans Saints before joining Coryell’s Chargers as a replacement to the spectacular John Jefferson. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Nov. 2023 San Diego flanker Christian Poidevin found a hole in the New England defense and scored the Legion’s first try just under the 10-minute mark. Staff Report, BostonGlobe.com, 8 July 2023 This should come in especially handy at mid range and when a flanker is harassing Lifeweaver in the back line. Kris Holt, Forbes, 20 Apr. 2023 These maps are a flanker’s dream. Kris Holt, Forbes, 21 Apr. 2022 Last season, Lamb began the transition of playing more on the outside, whether it was lined up on the line of scrimmage or as the flanker, just a yard off. Dallas News, 28 May 2022 First-half drives of 78 and 64 yards ended in determined Richland touchdown efforts by Grant Peretz after taking a 10-yard flanker screen pass and Grant Crook on a spinning five-yard run for a 14-3 lead. Dallas News, 28 Oct. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'flanker.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of flanker was in 1940

Dictionary Entries Near flanker

Cite this Entry

“Flanker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flanker. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

flanker

noun
flank·​er ˈflaŋ-kər How to pronounce flanker (audio)
1
: one that flanks
2
: a football player stationed wide of the formation especially as a pass receiver
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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