rank and file

noun

1
: the enlisted personnel of an armed force
2
: the individuals who constitute the body of an organization, society, or nation as distinguished from the leaders
rank-and-file adjective
rank and filer noun

Examples of rank and file in a Sentence

the chosen few might have the opportunity for a trip in the space shuttle, but it will be a while before the rank and file are taking space trips
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But if rank and file enemies are scaled too high, why would their accompanying bosses not be accidentally scaled too high as well? Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025 Since the election, he's made overtures to try to start on the right foot, including by holding early meetings with caucus leaders and some rank and file. Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 2 July 2025 The town is bleeding amid runaway production, audience apathy and a widening gap between the 1% and the industry’s rank and file. Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 22 May 2025 The militia’s rank and file, meanwhile, was shattered first by pagers, then walkie-talkies that detonated in their hands, having been boobytrapped by Mossad. Karl Vick, Time, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for rank and file

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rank and file was in 1598

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rank and file.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rank%20and%20file. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

rank and file

noun
1
: the enlisted persons of one of the armed forces
2
: the ordinary members that make up the body of a group when considered apart from the leaders

Legal Definition

rank and file

noun
: the general membership of a union

More from Merriam-Webster on rank and file

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