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
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
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
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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
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.
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