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
The choice was particularly interesting to Hollywood rank and file, which, in the era of M&A and private equity investments, is contending with more than a few minefields.
—
Mia Galuppo,
HollywoodReporter,
23 June 2026
Biden’s decision to continue military aid to Israel, with only a handful of exceptions, as the death toll mounted in Gaza and Israel failed to facilitate adequate aid, caused widespread distress in the administration, on Capitol Hill, and in the party’s rank and file.
—
Missy Ryan,
The Atlantic,
10 June 2026
Doug Coates, acting president of the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, the union representing LAFD rank and file, declined to comment.
—
Alene Tchekmedyian,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2026
The notion that there is widespread fraud in the system is far more prevalent among the Republican rank and file, more so than others.
—
Anthony Salvanto,
CBS News,
19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rank and file
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Mia Galuppo,
HollywoodReporter,
23 June 2026
Biden’s decision to continue military aid to Israel, with only a handful of exceptions, as the death toll mounted in Gaza and Israel failed to facilitate adequate aid, caused widespread distress in the administration, on Capitol Hill, and in the party’s rank and file.
—
Missy Ryan,
The Atlantic,
10 June 2026
Doug Coates, acting president of the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, the union representing LAFD rank and file, declined to comment.
—
Alene Tchekmedyian,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2026
The notion that there is widespread fraud in the system is far more prevalent among the Republican rank and file, more so than others.
—
Anthony Salvanto,
CBS News,
19 Mar. 2026
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 1 Jul. 2026.
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