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

ˌraŋk-ᵊn-ˈfī(-ə)l 

adjective

rank and filer

ˌraŋk-ᵊn-ˈfī-lər 

noun

Synonyms of rank and file

• public
• populace
• crowd
• people
• mass
• millions
• mob

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

The automaker spent much of the year undoing decisions made by the previous CEO, Carlos Tavares, who resigned at the end of 2024, as stakeholders in the company — from dealers to union rank and file — were upset with him and unhappy with his leadership. —Liam Rappleye, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026

Both discharge petitions already have the endorsement of more than 10 Republicans — an extraordinary demonstration of unrest among the GOP rank and file. —Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 12 Dec. 2025

There are reportedly conversations among rank and file senators to try to reach -- to negotiate the reopening of the government for a few weeks. —Kendall Wright, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2025

Those unions’ rank and file, increasingly, see Democrats as cultural elitists who look down on them and want to replace their jobs. —David Weigel, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rank and file

• campanile
• chrysotile
• domicil
• domicile
• mercantile
• neuropil
• nonpareil
• percentile
• peristyle
• reconcile
• thermopile
• aisle

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